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QUINBY'S 

NE^v  Bee-Keeping. 

The  Mysteries  of  Bee-Keeping  Explained. 


COMBrSING     THE     RESULTS    OF     FIFTY     TEARS      EXPERIENCE,    WITH    THE 

LATEST    PISCOVERIES    AND     ISTESTIOSS,     A>"D     PRESENTING    THE     MOST 

APPROVED  METHODS,   FORKING 


A   COMPLETE    GUIDE   TO 

STJOCESSFUL    BEE-CULTURE. 

BY 

L.    C.    ROOT, 

PBACTICAI,  APIABIAX. 

WITH  100  ILLlSTRATIO\S.  A\D  A  PORTBAIT  OF  31.  QIIXBY. 

K£W  AND  REVISED   EDITION. 


NEW    YORK: 

ORANGE    JUDD    COMPANY, 

1891. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  5a  the  year  im,  by  the 

ORANGE   JUDB    COMPANi', 

lu  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


CONTENTS, 


PREFACE IX- XI 

MEMORIAL  OF  M.  QUINBY XIII 

INTRODUCTION 17 

Bee  Keeping  ;    The  Old  and  tub  New H 

CHAPTER  I.— Thb  Hone^-Bke. 

Simple  Facts  in  Its  Natural  History— The   Queen— Workers— Drones— 

Construction  of  Comb— Gathering  and   Storing  Pollen— Gathering 

and  Storing  Honey— Propolis  and  Its  Use — Brood  Rearing  -  When 

it  Begins— Form   of  the  Brood-nest— Process  of  Egg-laying— Prep- 

.    arations  for  Swarming — Facts  and  Theories  Concerning  Generation 

— I  ertile  Workers 23-39 

CHAPTER   n.— Italian  Bees. 

Italian  or  Ligurian  Bees— First  Introduced  into  America— Characteristics 
—How  to  Procure  Italians -Color  not  an  Absolute  Test  of  Purity- 
Other  Viirieties 3<MS 

CHAPTER   ni.— SocRCKs  of  Honey. 
Sources  of  Pollen— Early  Honey  Plants— Singular  Fatality  Attendant  on 
Silk-wcod  —  Basswood  —  Later   Honey    Plants— Buckwheat— Honey 
Dew— Do  Bees  Injure  Grain  and  Fruit  ?— Injury  to  Ripe  Fruit— How 
far  will  B.^ee  go  for  Honey  r— Best  Season  for  Honey 4S-6«; 

CHAPTER    IV.-The    Apiart. 

Preliminary  Study— Location— Immediate  Surroundings— Bee-Keeping 
in  Cities  and  Villages— Arrangement  of  the  Hives -Distance  Between 
Hives— Hives  should  Set  Level -Disadvantages  of  High  Stands - 
Marking  the  Location— Moving  Bees  Short  Distances— Shade— Bee 
Houses- House  Apiary- When  to  Purchase  Bees— Where  to  Buy- 
Transportation  Beneficial— How  to  Select  Swarms— Expense  of  Beos 
and  Fixtures— Transporting  Bees— Taking  Bees  on  Shares— Financial 
Results— Overstocking (;&-87 

CHAPTER  V. -Controlling  Bees. 
Their  Disposition— Smoke  a  Controlling  Agent- Modes  of  Using  De- 
cayed Wood— Quinby  Smoker— Means  of  Protection— Suitable  Dress 
for  Women— Interest  Dispels  Feat— Remedies  for  Stings 8T-W 

5  t 


9^ 


^*-v 


VI  OOXTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VI.— Hives  and  Boxes. 

Movable  Comb  Hive— Construction  and  Advantages— Intelligent  Manipu- 
lation Necessary— Hanging  Frame  or  Langstroth  Hive— Frames- 
Division  Board— Siue-boxing  Hives  —  Observatory  Hive- New 
Qaiuby  Hive— Standing  Frame— Panels  or  Side-boards— Small 
Bottom-board  for  Quinby  Frames— Outer  Case  not  Always  Essential 
—Complete  New  Quiuby  Hive— Position  of  tbo  Frames— Stands  for 
Hives— Alighting  Boards— Koofs— Painting  Hives— Accuracy  Essen- 
tial—fl<>n«y  ioxw  —  Section  Frames  Objectionable— Two-comb 
Boxes— Block  for  Setting  up  Boxes— Siugle-comb,  or  Section  Boxes 
—Construction  of  Section  Box— Guide  Combs— Separalors-Tlic 
Clamp 95-185 

CHAPTER   VII.— Transferring. 

Advantages— Time  to  Transfer— Preliminaries— Process 133-139 

CHAPTER  VIII.— Queens. 

Importance  of  Selecting  Good  Stock— Fertilization  in  Confinement— 
Bearing  Queens:  When  to  Hear- How  to  Rear  Queens— Another 
Method— Forming  Nuclei— Queen  Nursery— Queen  Cages— Introduc- 
ing Queens— Clipping  Queens'  Wings— Process— How  to  Handle  a 
Queen- Age  of  Queens— DroncL lying  Queens— Loss  of  Queens- 
Indications  of  Loss— More  than  one  Queen  in  a  Hive 129-158 

CHAPTER  IX.-  Natural  and  Artificial  Increase. 

JVo<Mra^/'icrea««— When  Swarming  Commences— Indications  of  Swarm- 
ing—Preparations— Wliich  Bees  Compose  the  Swarm— Immediate  In- 
dications of  a  Swarm— How  to  Hive  them— Emergencies— Separating 
Swarms— Swarms  Returning  to  the  Old  Hive— Af ter-S warms— Pre- 
venting After-swarms- .4r/i/f(;/a;  //icrea^e- Straight  Combs— ft;/i<roW- 
ing  Swarmi/i{7 -Non-Swarming  Hives— ]\Iethods  —  Depriving  of  a 
Queen— Suggestions— Hints  for  Exceptional  Seasons 15S-172 

CHAPTER  X.— Boxing  and  Surplus  Honet. 

Putting  on  Boxes— Removing  Boxes— C.nre  of  Box  Honey— Presence  of 

Larvaj— Suggestions  for  Securing  Choice  Specimens  of  Honey 172-179 

CHAPTER  XI.— The  Honet  Extractor  and  its  Use. 

Its  Value— Description— Desirable  Features— The  Use  of  the  Honey  Ex- 
tractor-Whcn  to  Extract— Arranglnc  Hives  for  Extracting-How  to 
Extnict- Curing  Extracted  Honey- Honey  Knife— Securing  Extra 
Combs  of  Honey— Securing  Guide  Combs— Relative  Amount  of  Box 
and  Extracted  iloncy 180-190 

CHAPTER  XII.-Wax  and  Comb. 

Wax— Honey-Comb— Size  of  Cells— Hrxagonal  Shape  not  Essential- 
Cost  of  Comb— Artiflcal  Comb— Supplying  Material  for  Comb— 
Comb-Foundation— Sheeting  Wax— Wire  in  Foundation  —  Advan- 
.  tages  of  Wire- Heavy  Foundation  Preferable— Uses  and  Value  of 
Foundation— Foundation  in  Surplus  Boxes— To  fasten  Foundation  in 
Frames  — Expense  of  Foundation  Machines   -Rendering  Was 190-203 


COXTENI'S.  •  VII 

CHAPTER  XIII-Feeding. 

[ts  Necessity— What  to  Feer!— Preparing  Foacl— Feeders -Honey  in 
Combs  for  Spring  Feeding— Feeding  to  Secure  Surplus  in  Better 
Form— Honey  Sliould  be  Warm  when  Fed 204-211 

CHAPTER  XIV. -Robbing. 
General  Remarks— Indications— Remedies 212-216 

CHAPTER  XV.— Diseases  and  Enemies  op  Bees. 
Dysentery  -  Foul  Brood— Indications  of  Foul  Brood— Remedy— Due  to  a 
Fungoid  Growtla— Remedy— Parasites— Bee  Moth— Wliere  their  Eggs 
are  Deposited— Development  of  the  Larvie— Destroyed  by  Severe  Cold 
—  Remedies— Moth-ProofHivea— Rats  and  Mice— Birds— Ants,  Toads 
and  Spiders 21&-2.31 

CHAPTER   XVI.— Marketing  Honet. 

Subject  of  Importance— Neatness— Objection  to  Large  Cascs-Two-story 
Cases — Small  Cases  Popular — Preparing  Boxes  for  Market — Grading 
Honey — Packing  Honey  -Marking  Cases— Reliable  Dealers —Material 
for  Cases— Manufacturing  Cases— Transportation— Preparing  Ex- 
tracted for  Market— Process  of  Liquefaction— Kind  of  Package 233-240 

CHAPTER  XVII.— Wintering. 

Preparing  Bees  for  Winter— Perfect  Quiet  Esscnti.il-Out-of-Door  Win- 
tering—In -Door  Wintering— Artificial  Heat— Dryness- Best  Arrange- 
ment of  a  Cellar -A  Special  Building  for  Wintering-Clamps-When 
to  Place  Bees  in  Winter  Quarters— Flight  during  Winter- Setting 
out  Bees  too  Early  iu  Spring— Healthy  Excrement  always  Dry 241-253 

CHAPTER  XVIII.— HoNET. 

Uses  as  Food  and  Medicine- Adulteration  of  Syrups— Different  Qualities 

of  Honey— Extracted  Honey— Adulteration  of  Honey 255-260 

CHAPTER  XIX.— Notes  fob  the  Seasons. 
Spring— Summer  -Autumn— Winter 260-203 

CHAPTER   XX. 
ConcluBion 263-264 


LIST   OF   ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Portrait  of  Mr.  QiiJnby ....  Frontispiece. 

Queen 24 

Groups  of  Bees 25 

Worker 25 

Sling  of  Worker.  26 

Drone 27 

Eiiija  and  LnrvfB 32 

Ovaries  of  the  (iuccn 3G 

Wliite  Clover 50 

Alsike  Clover 51 

Motherwort ...  .52 

Silkweed  5.3 

Basswood  or  Linden  55 

Fuller's  Teasel 57 

Wild  Teasel 57 

Smooth  Sumach .58 

Golden  Rod 61 

Hives  upon  Roofs  at  Ilion,  N.  Y 69 

View  of  Author's  Apiary 71 

House  Apiary  of  J.  U.  Nellis,  Cana- 

joharie,  N.  Y 78 

The  Quinby  Smoker 91 

The  Quinby  Smoker,  Improved....  91 

The  Bee  Veil 92 

Iron  (or  Holding  Frames 98 

Hanging-Piarae  Hive  and  Cap 99 

Hanging-Frame 100 

Division  Board 101 

Observatory  Hive 102 

New  Qiiiiil)y  Hive,  with  Frames  and 

Boxis 103 

Standing  Frame 105 

Hook    on    tlie    End    of    Standing 

Frame 106 

Form  for  Building  Frames 106 

Panel  for  Side  of  Frames 107 

Panel,  Improved 107 

Small    Bottom-board    for    Quinby 

Hive 103 

Quinby     Frames    and     Boxes     in 

Clamps 109 

Large  Bottom-board,  with  Frame..  110 

TlicQiiinl)y  Hive  Clasp  Ill 

The  Quinby  Hive  with  Roof 112 

Roof  for  Hives 113 

Tin  for  Corner  Posts  of  Boxes 117 

Two-Comb  Box,  b  Honey-Board 118 

Block  for  Setting  up  Boxes 119 

Standard  for  Tops  of  Boxes 119 

Tin  Point  for  Holding  Glass 121 

Section  Boxes 121 

Form  for  Making  Section  Boxes... 121 

Separator 122 

Improved  Separator 123 

An  Empty  Clami) 123 

Clamp  Fi'Ued  With  Boxes 124 

Frame  ContMining  Six  Boxes 124 

Frame  Containing  Three  Boxes 124 

Transferring  Board 126 

Transf orriag  Sticks 126 

8 


Transferred  Combs 128 

NuclusBox 133 

Comb  with  Brood  for  Queen  Rais- 
ing....   134 

Comb  with  Brood  Inserted  in  Comb. 134 

Queen  Cells  Built  upon  Comb 135 

Queen  Nursery 136 

Queen-Cell  Box 141 

Queen  Cages 14:J 

Queen  with  Clipped  Wing 147 

Brood  of    Drone-laying  Queen   in 

Worker  Cells 150 

Queen  Cells  over  Drone  Brood l.')0 

Cluster  of  Queen  Cells  and  a  Queen 

Cell  cut  from  Comb      :..150 

Everett's  Honey  Extractor 180 

The  Excelsior  Honey  Extractor 181 

A  Two-story  Hive 184 

Van  Deusen's  Clasp \^4i 

Straight  Honey  Knife 188 

Curve-pointed  Honey  Knife.. 188 

Bingham  &  Hetherington's  Honey 

Knife 188 

Abdomen   of    Bee   with   Scales   of 

Wax 190 

Machine  for  ]Making  Metallic  Comb.193 
Manner   of    Setting    up    Metallic 

Combs 194 

Distorted  Cells  in  Foundation 197 

Comb  Foundation  with  Wires 197 

Machine  for  Making  Worker-Comb 

Foundation 198 

Swiss  Wax  Extractor 202 

Tne  Author's  Wax  Extractor 203 

Feeder  for  Quinby  Hive  on  Panel.. 206 

Van  Deusons  Feeder. 208 

Method  of  Filling  Combs  for  Feed- 
ing  T 209 

The  Honey  Bug 222 

Trichodes  Apiarius 228 

Seed-glass  for  Examining  Parasites. 222 
".American  Agriculturist''  Simple 

Microscope . . 223 

The    Bee-moth   in  DifTerent    Posi- 
tions      ...224 

Gallerv  of  the  Bee-moth  Worm  in 

Comb   225 

The  Worm  Gallery  Removed 22() 

Larva  of  Bee  moth 226 

Cocotms  of  Bee  moth 227 

The  Bee-killer 229 

Three  Sizes  of  Honey  Boxes 2:^4 

Eight  Fivi'-pound  Cases  Keeased. .  .2:}4 
Twelve  Cans  of  Extracted  Honey  in 

Case 240 

Mnth's  Honey  Bottles..* 241 

Frames  of  Quinby  Hive   l*re|)arcd 

for  Winter 244 

Thermometer 250 

Double  Clamp  for  Wintering  Bees,  .258 


'W 


PUBLISHERS'  PREFACE. 


After  the  death  of  Mr.  Quiuby,  the  preparation  of  a 
new  and  revised  edition  of  his  work,  whicli  he  had  in 
contemplation,  fell  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  L.  C.  Root,  his 
relative  and  long-time  business  associate.  This  secured 
the  incorporation  of  Mr.  Quinby's  latest  views  and  meth- 
ods, and  the  introduction  of  important  improvements 
that  had  then  just  been  tested,  especially  that  of  comb- 
foundation,  and  the  treatise  thus  embodied  the  experience 
of  two  skilled  apiarians.  The  work  was  so  largely  re- 
written by  Mr.  Root,  that  he  might  in  Justice  have 
claimed  to  be  its  author,  but  with  rare  modesty,  and  in 
a  spirit  of  reverence  to  the  memory  of  one  who  had  de- 
voted his  life  to  the  advancement  and  popularizing  of 
bee-culture,  he  preferred  to  retain  the  title  of  "  Quinby's 
New  Bee-keeping."  In  the  present  edition  the  work  has 
been  revised  throughout,  numerous  pages  and  parts  of 
pages  have  been  cancelled  and  replaced  by  new  ones  ; 
new  engravings  have  been  prepared,  and  the  matter 
everywhere  brought  up  to  the  present  date.  This  has 
been  done  so  thoroughly,  as  to  make  the  present  edition, 
what  each  previous  one  has  been,  the  standard  guide  to 
bee-culture,  presenting  all  tested  improvements,  and  the 
latest  views,  both  of  the  author  and  other  workers  in  the 
same  field  of  industry.  The  Avork  is  offered  to  the  ex- 
perienced bee-keeper  as  a  reliable  volume  of  reference, 
and  to  the  novice  as  a  guide  in  commencing  the  occupa- 
tion of  keeping  bees.  Annually  vast  quantities  of  honey 
literally  "  Avaste  their  sweetness  on  the  desert  air,"  for 
the  lack  of  bees  to  secure  and  preserve  it  in  a  form  in 
which  it  may  be  consumed  or  converted  into  money.  It 
is  hoped  that  this  work,  in  its  improved  form,  may  aid 
many  dwellers  in  rural  districts  to  increase  their  luxuries 
and  their  incomes. 

New  York,  July,  3884. 


PREFACE   TO   REVISED   EDITION. 


In  presenting  this  revised  edition  of  '*  New  Bee-keep- 
ing," I  have  but  one  object  in  view,  namely,  the  desire  to 
place  Bee-keeping  as  a  substantial  branch  of  agriculture 
on  a  higher  and  broader  basis. 

There  seems  to  be  a  wide-spread  conviction  that  there 
is  nothing  new  to  be  learned  in  Bee-keeping,  and  the  num- 
ber of  bees  yet  kejit  in  box-hives  throughout  the  country 
is  ample  proof  that  there  is  yet  a  great  work  to  be  accom- 
plished. I  am  of  the  opinion  that  even  the  majority'  of 
progressive  bee-keepers  fail  to  comprebend  the  uitimate 
possibilities  of  our  pursuit.  I  have  endeavored  to  bring 
this  work  fully  up  to  the  time,  and  to  this  end  have  de- 
scribed and  illustrated  all  of  the  latest  appliances  and 
methods,  which  from  actual  experience  have  proved  of 
value. 

The  price  to  be  paid  for  progress  in  this,  as  in  all  other 
callings,  is  continuous  labor  and  application,  and  what- 
ever value  this  Avork  may  possess,  lies  in  the  fact  that  it 
gives  the  reader  the  benefit  of  the  most  extended  practi- 
cal experience  of  any  work  ever  published  upon  tbe 
subject. 

July,  1884  L.  C.  Root,  Mohawk,  N.  Y. 


PREFACE    TO    TEIRD    EDITIOX. 

It  is  well  known  to  those  familiar  with  the  previous 
editions  of  this  work,  that  Mr.  Qiiinby  wrote  and  offered 
it  to  the  public,  with  a  hope  of  awakening  a  clearer  con- 
ception of  the  immense  quantities  of  honey  annually  pro- 
duced by  the  bloom  of  field  and  forest,  and  of  utilizing 
these  hitherto  undeveloped  resources,  by  encouraging  a 
more  general  adoption  of  bee-keeping  as  a  pursuit. 

The  figures  which  he  gave  at  that  time,  seemed  incredi- 
ble to  the  uninformed,  yet  he  lived  to  see  his  own  expec- 
tations more  than  realized,  in  the  rapid  progress  that  has 
since  been  made. 

During  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  he  was  particularly 
anxious  to  embody  his  ripest  experience,  and  most  impor- 
tant discoveries,  in  a  new  and  thorough  revision  of  his 
book  ;  and  had  his  life  been  prolonged  a  few  years,  this 
work  would  have  been  done  by  his  own  hands. 

Encouraged  by  the  publishers,  and  inspired  by  the 
wish  to  fulfill  his  desire  to  keep  step  with  the  progress  of 
his  beloved  pursuit,  I  have  endeavored  to  prepare  this 
revision,  and  compile  the  results  of  his  experience  ;  and 
thus,  so  far  as  lies  within  my  power,  carry  out  his  idea 
of  still  farther  elevating  bee-keeping  to  the  honorable  po- 
sition it  deserves,  as  a  scientific  calling. 

1  have  thought  it  desirable  to  retain,  as  far  as  possible, 
Mr.  Quinby's  original  language  upon  points  which  he 
developed  with  much  clearness,  and  in  which  but  little, 
if  any,  advance  has  since  been  made.  This  is  but  Just  to 
him,  when  we  remember  how  indefatigable  and  painstak- 
ing he  was,  in  his  efforts  to  arrive  at  the  exact  truth, 
when  he  was  not  only  unaided  by  any  of  our  modern  fa- 
cilities for  investigation,  but  rather,  was  impeded  by  all 
the  obstacles  which  popular  ignorance  and  current  preju- 
dice could  present. 

I  have  been  unable  to  reproduce  literally  much  of  his 
later  writings  on  topics  of  recent  development,  as  they 

XI 


XII  PUEFACE. 

mostly  appeared  in  periodicals,  and  needed  condensation  ; 
yet,  much  of  the  matter  presented  is  really  but  the  re- 
sult of  his  observations,  expressed  in  my  own  language. 

Very  many  views  have  been  advanced  as  worthy  of  con- 
sideration and  adoption,  which  miglit  ha^e  been  corrobo- 
rated and  strengthened,  by  quoting  the  sanction  and  prac- 
tice of  many  reliable  bee-keepers  ;  but  in  many  instances, 
I  have  omitted  to  do  this  for  lack  of  sjmce,  trusting  that 
all  will  believe  that  nothing  has  been  recommended,  that 
has  not  been  put  to  a  practical  test. 

I  must  express  my  indebtedness  to  many  of  our  lead- 
ing writers  and  practical  apiarians,  for  many  ideas  and 
suggestions  that  have  been  of  much  value  to  me,  and 
which,  true  benevolence  dictates,  should  be  disseminated 
for  the  good  of  all.  And  I  am  also  under  no  small  obli- 
gation to  the  enterprising  "  bee-men  "  of  foreign  coun- 
tries, both  of  the  past  and  present ;  and  althougli  be- 
longing to  far  distant  countries  and  nationalities,  every 
true  bee-keeper  must  feel  that  their  love  for  the  study  of 
the  Honey-Bee,  is  a  bond  of  sympathy  which  makes  us 
all  brethren. 

While  I  have  thus  been  gi'eatly  aided  in  many  ways, 
my  confidence  in  an  ability  to  accomplish  Mr.  Qumby's 
intentions,  has  been  chiefly  derived  from  the  circum- 
stances of  my  intimate  association  with  him  during  the 
latter  part  of  his  life,  when  a  half  century  of  assiduous 
toil  and  study  had  well  fitted  him  to  become  a  teacher  in 
his  special  vocation. 

Combined  with  this,  I  liave  had  an  active  personal  ex- 
perience of  ten  years  in  bee-keeping  (making  it  my  ex- 
clusive business)  ;  and  thus,  I  iiope  to  sustain  the  orig- 
inal reputation  of  this  work,  for  "  simplicity  and  relia- 
biHty''  and  at  the  same  time,  to  make  it,  what  the 
author  designed  it  to  be,  a  comprehensive  and  practical 
treatise  on  Advanced  Bee  Culture. 

J/ff?/,  1879.  L.   C.   Root.  Mohawk.  N.  Y. 


MEMORIAL  OF  M.  QUINBY. 

By  Capt.  J.  E,  Hetherixgton,  Cherry  Va.lley,  N.  Y. 

I  approach  the  task  before  me  with  mingled  feelings 
of  love,  admiration,  and  duty ;  love  for  the  man,  cemented 
by  intimate  friendly  relations  with  him  for  more  than 
twenty  years.  I  went  to  him  when  a  mere  lad  for  in- 
struction in  bee-culture,  and  he  so  beautifully  unveiled 
the  wonderful  mysteries  of  the  natural  histoiy  and  prac- 
tical management  of  the  honey-bee,  that  I  left  him  that 
day,  impressed  as  I  had  never  been  before.  As  I  after- 
wards learned  to  know  him,  I  found  that  his  kind, 
considerate  manner,  and  evident  pleasure  in  imparting 
instruction,  were  but  the  manifestation  of  qualities  of 
heart  and  purpose,  strongly  marked  in  his  character. 
My  admiration  for  his  sterling,  manly  attributes,  and 
_^ eminently  useful  life,  inspire  me  to  attempt,  in  a  small 
measure,  to  discharge  a  duty  resting  on  me,  in  common 
Avith  every  bee-keeper  in  the  land  ;  that  of  putting  m 
some  enduring  form,  a  tribute  to  his  unselfish  life-work 
in  promoting  the  science  of  bee-culture. 

His  Avritings  have  made  their  impress  on  bee-literature, 
and  his  name  is  familiar  in  every  home  where  honey 
bees  are  kept  for  pleasure  or  profit.  Thousands  are 
to-day  enjoying  a  delicious  and  wholesome  article  of-' 
food  that  would  have  remained  ungathered,  except  for 
his  earnest  advocacy  of  the  business  as  a  source  of  revenue 
to  the  nation,  and  profit  to  the  bee-keeper.  He  was  ever 
unselfishly  urging  people  to  adopt  this  calling,  that  the 
millions  of  pounds  of  honey  annually  going  to  waste, 
might  be  garnered  for  the  use  of  mankind  ;  and  he  devoted 

XIII 


XIV  MEMORIAL   OF   M.   (^l  INUY. 

the  best  of  his  life  to  imparting  instruction  that  would 
lead  to  this  end.  Thus,  through  his  writings,  and 
through  his  life-work  for  the  benefit  of  mankind,  he 
built  to  himself  a  monument  more  enduring  than  brass  ; 
and  to  complete  the  memorial,  it  is  the  wish  of  all  who 
knew  him  to  have  inscribed  on  its  tablet,  that  which 
will  testify  to  his  broad,  christian  character,  as  well  as 
to  such  qualities  of  heart  as  are  best  revealed  in  home 
life  to  kindred  and  friends. 

I  was  asked  to  write  of  Mr.  Quinby  because  I  knew 
him  ;  none  could  know  him  but  to  love  him.  We,  who 
were  accustomed  to  gather  at  his  fireside,  can  never  for- 
get his  warm  hospitality.  He  was  of  a  happy,  even 
temperament,  always  ready  with  a  hearty  welcome  for 
his  friends,  and  a  kind  word  for  every  one  ;  ever  willing 
to  spread  the  broad  mantle  of  charity  over  the  short- 
comings of  his  fellows,  yet  equally  prompt  with  quick 
censure  for  a  wrong  that  could  be  righted. 

True  to  his  Quaker  education,  he  was  an  intense  hater 
of  shams,  especially  of  the  human  kind.  He  was  honest, 
a  characteristic  that  is  getting  to  be  as  rare  as  it  is  valu- 
able. There  is  no  principle  in  business  better  established 
than  that  *' Honesty  is  the  best  policy."  Mr.  Quinby, 
unlike  many  men,  w\is  honest  from  principle.  His  life- 
work  was  to  elevate  bee-keeping  to  the  dignity  of  a  pur- 
suit among  men,  and  he  accomplished  his  mission. 

Bee-keeping  as  a  specialty  will  date  from  his  time,  and 
if  Iluber  has  earned  the  title  of  "■  Prince  of  Apiarists," 
certainly  Mr.  Quinbj  is  entitled  to  that  of  "  Father  of 
Practical  Bee-Culture. " 

In  apiarian  history  there  are  four  names  that  will  stand 
out  prominently  beyond  all  others ;  Huber,"  the  blind 
apiarian,  who,  by  his  untiring  perseverance,  discovered 
nioic  of  the  interior  Avorkings  of  the  bee-hive  than  any 
other  man  that  ever  lived  ;  Dzierzon,  the  Quinby  of 
Germanv,  who  confirmed  the  hitherto  unbclicved  state- 


MEMORIAL   OF   M.   QUINBY.  XV 

ments  of  Huber,  and  added  that  equally  surprising  one 
of  partheno-genesis  ;  Langstroth,  our  own  countryman, 
inventor  of  the  movable  comb-hive  (the  most  im- 
portant invention  ever  made  in  bee-culture),  and  author 
of  a  work,  that  for  scientific  accuracy  and  beauty  of 
expression  is  unsurpassed ;  and  last,  but  not  least,  our 
own  Quinby,  who,  adding  largely  to  the  knowledge  of  his 
predecessors,  combined  the  whole  into  a  system  of  prac- 
tical management,  unequalled  in  simplicity  and  feasi- 
bility ;  and,  finally,  as  a  crowning  act  of  a  lifetime 
spent  in  the  service  of  others,  gave  to  the  world  his 
celebrated  discovery  that  the  liquid  part  of  honey  is, 
under  favorable  conditions,  entirely  evaporated  within 
the  body  of  the  bee  ;  a  discovery  second  to  none  ever 
made  in  the  history  of  the  insect. 

He  was  not  only  author  of  our  most  practical  work  on 
bee-keeping,  but  inventor  of  an  almost  perfect  movable- 
frame  hive,  and  the  originator  of  numerous  other  useful 
devices.  I  predict  that  his  invention  of  a  smoker,  combin- 
ing the  principle  of  an  upright  tube  and  bellows,  will,  in 
the  near  future,  be  in  the  hands  of  every  bee-keeper  in 
the  land. 

It  has  often  been  asked,  "  Why  did  not  Mr.  Quinby 
accumulate  a  fortune  in  keeping  bees  ?  " 

To  this  question,  I  think  this  answer  may  be  given  : 
It  is  true  that  Mr.  Quinby  never  became  wealthy  in  a 
pecuniary  point  of  view,  but  this  was  not  because 
he  was  unable  to  make  bee-keeping  a  lucrative  pur- 
suit. He  did  reap  handsome  profits  in  his  busi- 
ness, but  was  continually  distributing  his  gains  in  the 
search  for  more  knowledge,  and  means  for  imparting  it 
to  others.  His  views  of  a  true  fortune  did  not  permit 
him  to  enjoy  the  mere  possession  of  money.  With  him, 
knowledge  was  better  fortune  than  gold  ;  and  in  another 
light,  he  considered  the  ability  to  do  something  for  the 
benefit  of  mankind,  a  perpetual  reward — treasures  laid 


XVI  MEMORIAL    OF    M.   l^UINBY. 

11})  in  lieavcn.  AVliencvcr  lie  obtained  any  new  idea  that 
would  benefit  others  as  well  as  himself,  it  was  forthwith 
given  to  all  who  would  receive. 

His  life  was,  in  every  sense,  a  life  of  usefulness,  and  not 
•wholly  devoted  to  the  interests  of  bee-culture,  for  he 
took  a  living  interest  in  anything  that  he  thought  would 
benefit  society ;  as  an  advocate  and  helper  in  the  tem- 
perance work  he  did  no  mean  service. 

He  possessed  true  kindness  of  heart,  and  believed  it  to 
be  a  religious  duty  to  make  all  with  whom  he  came  in  con- 
tact better  and  happier,  and  he  regarded  that  life  a  failure 
that  did  not  leave  tiie  world  the  better  for  having  been 
lived.  The  following  little  incident  tells  its  own  story  : 
On  the  day  of  his  funeral,  some  bare-footed  boys  had  fol- 
lowed down  the  street  to  the  front  of  the  house,  where 
one  of  them  turned  up  a  sorrowful-looking  face,  and  re- 
marked to  the  officiating  clergyman  :  "I  am  sorry  Mr. 
Quinby  is  dead  ;  "  on  being  asked  why,  he  replied,  ''  He 
gave  us  ap)>les.  and  pears,  and  sometimes  grapes."  They 
then  asked  if  they  might  see  him. 

Generally,  sickness,  as  a  warning  for  preparation,  pre- 
cedes dissolution,  but  in  the  case  of  our  friend,  at  the 
small  hours  of  night,  when  reposing  in  quiet  slumber, 
the  message  came.  His  wife  noticed  an  unusual  breath- 
ing— she  immediately  called  the  family,  but  before  they 
reached  the  bed,  he  had  answered  the  summons.  A  nol)le 
spirit  had  lied  back  to  its  Maker,  a  loving  family  circle 
was  broken,  and  the  earthly  life  of  the  Pioneer  Bee-keeper 
closed. 

Thus,  at  the  age  of  sixty-five,  ended  the  life-work  of 
our  counsellor,  friend,  and  public  benefactor.  How  fit- 
ting that  a  life  so  pure  should  have  so  peaceful  an  end- 
ing.    He  passed  from  earth — 

'*  Like  one  who  wraps  the  drapery  of  his  couch 
About  him,  and  lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams." 


INTRODUCTION. 

BEE-KEEPING:    THE   OLD    AND   THE    NEW. 

Fifty  years  ago,  Mr.  Quinby,  then  a  lad  of  nineteen, 
procured  his  first  hive  of  bees,  and  began  bee-keeping. 
He  was  wholly  unaccpiainted  with  their  management,  save 
with  the  simplest  directions  for  hiving  swarms,  and  the 
use  of  brimstone  for  securing  the  honey,  when  desired. 

A  practical,  instructive  treatise  on  bee-culture  was  not 
to  be  found,  and  a  periodical  devoted  to  the  subject  was 
as  yet  unthought  of.  The  prevailing  ignorance  of  the 
simplest  facts  in  their  natural  history,  with  the  conse- 
quent inability  to  rationally  explain  the  causes  of  pros- 
perity or  failure,  was  the  foundation  of  a  wide-spread  be- : 
lief  that  "  luck"  was  the  presiding  genius  of  the  bee-hive. 

Signs  and  superstitions  of  all  kinds  were  current  in  the 
lack  of  more  intelligent  teachings,  and  the  good  old  man 
who  warned  Mr.  Quinby  against  his  habits  of  study  and 
examination  into  everything  in  and  about  a  bee-hive,  but 
reflected  popular  opinion,  when  he  said  :  *'  Your  bees  will 
never  do  anything  if  you  potter  with  them  so  much." 

In  those  days,  the  only  hives  were  sections  of  hollow 
logs,  boxes  of  various  dimensions,  and  curious  cones  built 
of  straw,  which  certainly  attested  to  the  ingenuity,  if  not 
to  the  progress  of  the  age.  If  honey  was  wanted,  recourse 
wa3  had  to  the  brimstone  pit,  and  the  unhappy  bees  were 
doomed  to  yieid  up  not  only  their  diligentl}'  gathered 
treasures,  but  their  lives  also  ;  a  sacrifice  to  ignorance, 
not  without  parellel  in  the  history  of  the  human  rase. 

By  and  by,  gleams  of  better  methods  began  to  dawn, 
and  the  most  enterprising  saw  ghmmers  of  a  more  ra- 
tional system  oi  treatment,  which  should  secure  the  pro- 
ducts without  the  destruction  oi  the  producers. 
17 


18  BEE-KEEPING  :    THE   OLD   AND  THE   NEW. 

Rough,  nncoutli,  Avoodou  boxes  Averc  constructed  and 
placed  upon  the  hiAe,  and  the  ])ees  had  access  to  them 
through  holes  ])ored  in  the  top.  These  Avere  succeeded  by 
others  more  neatly  made,  Avitli  a  hole  in  each  end,  covered 
Avith  glass  that  the  progress  Avithin  might  be  inspected. 

Thus,  the  lirst  steps  in  the  right  direction  being  taken, 
it  Avas  easy  to  devise  boxes  Avith  glass  ddes  ;  and  tAA'enty- 
tive  years  ago,  Ave  find  Mr.  Quinby  recommending  boxes 
six  inches  square,  Avith  glass  on  all  four  sides,  Avith  the 
remark  that,  '"■  the  expense  of  making  is  a  little  more  for 
the  same  amount  of  honey,  jet,  Avhen  it  is  marketed,  a  few 
(Customers  Avill  prefer  this  size."  Up  to  that  date,  the 
chief  advance  in  practice,  seems  to  have  been  in  the  better 
adaptation  of  the  box-hive  to  the  production  of  surplus. 

Mr.  Quinby's  desire  to  understand  the  minutest  details 
of  everything  Avhich  came  under  his  observation,  led  him 
to  become  thoroughly  familiar  Avith  tlie  habits  of  his  little 
favorites ;  and,  unaided  by  the  discoveries  of  foreign 
Avriters  with  Avhich  he  Avas  then  Avholly  unacquainted,  he 
demonstrated  for  himself  many  of  the  facts  and  princi- 
ples Avhich  the  progi-ess  of  to-day  easily  enables  us  to  verify. 

At  the  end  of  a  quarter  of  a  century,  he  had  so  satisfac- 
torily established  a  system  of  bee-keeping  that  Avould  in- 
sure reasonable  return  for  a  stated  investment,  that  he  felt 
Avarranted  in  publishing  the  first  edition  of  this  A\'ork  en- 
titled "Mysteries  of  Bee-keeping  Explained."  He  hoped 
thereby  to  benefit  others  by  disseminating  the  knoAvledge 
he  had  acquired,  and  to  encourage  an  industry,  evidently 
designed  by  the  Creator,  Avhen  he  caused  uncounted  flow- 
ers to  annually  secrete  tons  of  liquid  honey,  and  created 
a  tiny  insect  with  instinct  to  gather  and  preserve  this 
'' treasure-troA-e." 

Simultaneously  with  this  publication,  appeared  the  first 
edition  of  ''Langstroth  on  the  Hive  and  Honey  Bee." 
These  two  Avorks  were  the  first  of  any  great  value  that 
had  been  Avritten  in  America. 


BEE-KEEPING  :     THE    OLD   AXD   THE   XEW.  19 

Their  coincident  appearance  was  always  a  great  grati- 
fication to  Mr.  Quinby,  as  it  afforded  no  opportunity  for 
either  to  accuse  the  other  ot  profiting  by  his  investiga- 
tions; and  gave  to  both  the  honor  of  much  original  dis- 
covery. * 

These  books  were  subsequently  revised,  Mr.  Laug- 
stroth's  in  1859,  and  Mr.  Quinby's  in  1865.  About  this 
time,  the  "Bee-keeper's  Directory"  by  J.  S.  Harbison, 
appeared.  Mr.  Harbison  was  the  pioneer  bee-keeper  of 
California,  and  has  done  much  to  develoji  bee-culture  in 
that  State. 

Mr.  Langstroth's  book  marked  an  era  in  bee-culture  ; 
the  invention  of  movable  combs,  therein  elucidated,  open- 
ing a  field  which  all  enterprising  apiarians  feel  to  be  almost 
unlimited.  A  more  accurate  knowledge  of  the  functions, 
and  habits  of  the  bee,  improved  methods  of  obtaining  sur- 
plus, control  of  the  interior  economy  of  the  hive,  and 
many  other  advantages  were  derived  from  this  invention. 

From  this  period,  progress  began  to  be  more  rapid, 
and  with  each  progressive  step  the  facilities  for  improve- 
ment were  proportionally  increased.  The  next  great 
discovery,  that  liquid  honey  might  be  removed  from  the 
combs  without  injuring  them,  gave  to  bee-keeping  a  still 
greater  impetus. 

The  last  ten  years  have  given  us  Mr.  Quinby's  discov- 
ery concerning  the  dry  faeces  of  the  bee,  and  his  invention 
of  the  Bellows  Smoker. 

The  latest  feature  that  has  marked  our  progress,  is  the 
production  of  comb-foundation  in  a  practical  form. 

Let  us  notice  for  a  moment  what  these  changes  have 
done  for  us  in  point  of  production  alone. 

*As  an  expression  oi  Mr.  Lanarstroth's  r.ppreciation  of  Mr.  Quinby's  work.  I 
give  the  following,  from  his  writinge;  "I  shall  here  qnote  from  on-?  of  tlie 
most  common  sense  works  on  practical  bec-keepinsr.  «  hich  has  ever  h(^cn  written 
in  our  lani^uage.  *  *  *  i  refer  to  the  'Mysteries,'  etc..  by  Mr.  Q:  inby. 
This  treatise  bears  marks,  on  almost  every  page,  of  being  the  work  of  an  accurate, 
experienced,  and  thoroughly  honest  observer."' 


20  BEE-KEEPIXG  :    THE   OLD   AND   THE   NEW. 

I  find  ia  an  article  written  by  Mr.  Quinby,  in  1848, 
for  the  "Dollar  Newspaper,"  published  in  Philadelphia, 
that  he  takes  decided  exception  to  a  statement  made  by 
another  writer,  to  the  effect  that  he  had  known  25  lbs.  of 
honey  to  be  gathered  by  one  colony  in  two  weeks. 

Mr.  Qainby  lived  to  see  57'/,  lbs.  of  extracted  honey 
taken  from  one  colony  in  two  days,  and  586  lbs.  from  a 
stock  during  the  season.  Ee  also  records  a  gain  of  225 
lbs.  of  box-honey  from  one  colony. 

That  these  results  are  exceptional,  is,  of  course,  ad- 
mitted, but  that  they  have  been  reached,  indicates  the 
possibilities  to  which  we  may  yet  attain. 

A  short  time  before  his  death,  Mr.  Quinby  remarked 
that  the  past  five  years  had  shown  more  progress  than  the 
forty  years  preceding,  and  he  predicted  that  the  five  years 
to  com3  would  record  even  greater  advancement.  Who 
shall  say  that  in  this  he  was  not  correct  ? 

Contemporaneously  with  these  practical  achievements, 
Americans  have  established  a  bee-literature  which  has 
been  a  potent  agent  in  disseminating  information,  and 
in  greatly  increasing  the  number  of  those  engaged  in  the 
pursuit. 

It  would  be  interesting  to  be  able  to  furnish  correct 
statistics  of  bee-culture  in  the  United  States.  Tl^e  lists 
of  names  in  the  possession  of  those  Avho  deal  largely  in 
bee-keeping  supplies,  prove  that  the  bee-keepers  in  this 
country  must  be  counted  by  thousands,  and  the  large 
sales  of  popular  works  on  the  subject  arc  evidence  of  a 
constantly  growing  interest. 

The  oldest  "Bee  Journal"  in  this  country  v.'as  founded 
in  18G1,  by  Samuel  Wagner. 

Aside  from  his  ability  as  a  scholarly  and  practical 
editor,  Mr.  Wagner  has  done  apiarians  great  service 
through  liis  acquaintance  with  the  best  German  bee- 
masters,  and  his  frequent  translations  from  their  wriiings, 
thus  forming  a  link  between  the  scientists  of  that  country 


BEE-KEEPING  :   THE    OLD     AXD   THE    NEW.  21 

and  the  progressive  minds  of  our  own.  Mr.  Quinby 
much  admired  Mr.  Wagner,  and  was  Avont  to  speak  of  his 
services  in  this  direction  with  marked  appreciation.  This 
** American  Bee  Journal"  is  now  published  by  Thos.  G. 
Newman,  Chicago,  Ills.,  and  is  the  only  weekly  devoted 
to  this  pursuit  in  this  country.  It  is  sustained  by  an  able 
corps  of  contributors. 

*'  Gleanings  in  Bee-Culture,"  published  by  A.  I.  Eoot, 
Medina,  Ohio,  is  a  semi-monthly  periodical,  well  worthy 
of  the  patronage  of  every  enterprising  bee-keeper. 

*'  The  Bee-keeper's  Magazine  "  is  an  outcome  of  '^The 
Bee-keepei''s  Journal  and  National  Agriculturist,"  for- 
merly published  by  H.  A.  King  &  Co.,  and  sustains  its 
position  creditably  among  the  bee-keepers  of  the  country. 
It  is  published  by  King  &  Aspinwall,  New  York  City. 

"  The  Bee-keeper's  Guide "  is  published  monthly  at 
Kendallville,  Ind.,  by  A.  G.  Hill.    It  improves  each  year. 

"Kansas  Bee-keeper,"  Scovell  &  Pond,  Columbus, 
Kansas.  This  has  improved  greatly  since  its  first  appear- 
ance, and  now  having  Mr.  Pond  as  associate  editor,  it 
will  lose  nothing  in  value  or  reputation. 

"We  have  long  felt  the  need  of  a  bee  journal  edited  by 
a  practical  bee-keeper  wdio  would,  in  the  broadest  sense, 
publish  it  in  the  interest  of  scientific  and  practical 
apiculture ;  one  that  was  in  no  way  connected  with  a 
supply  trade,  and  consequently  free  to  speak  of  every- 
thing used  by  bee-keepers  as  the  merits  demand. 

We  have  had  no  such  journal  until  the  appearance  of 
the  "American  Apiculturist "  in  May,  1883,  edited  and 
published  by  S.  M.  Locke,  Salem,  Mass.  This  has  more 
than  met  the  expectations  of  its  friends,  and  is  improving 
with  every  numbar.  In  many  of  its  features  it  suits  me 
better  than  any  other  journal  published  in  the  English 
language.  This  continued  growth  will  enable  it  to  become 
instrumental  in  elevating  this  branch  of  agriculture  to  a 
much,  higher  plane  than  it  has  ever  before  occupied. 


23  BEE-KEEPIXG  :    THE    OLD    AXD   THE    NEW. 

Of  modern  books  we  liave  yet  ^'Langstroth  on  the 
Honey  Bee,"  a  work  which  Avill  never  be  out  of  date  to 
those  who  delight  to  read  of  the  honey-bee  as  a  Christian 
gentleman  and  scholar  has  delighted  to  write. 

Aside  from  its  practical  value,  which  twenty  years  have 
failed  to  greatly  depreciate,  its  perusal  will  impress  all 
with  a  more  elevated  sense  of  the  Avisdom  which  gave 
this  tiny  insect  a  place  in  the  system  of  creation. 

A  recent  contribution  is  the  "  Manual  of  the  Apiary," 
by  Prof.  A.  J.  Cook,  of  the  State  Agricultural  College, 
Lansing,  Mich.  Prof.  Cook  U  an  entomologist,  and  has 
opened  a  field  in  bee-culture,  hitherto  comparatively  un- 
explored, in  his  clear  and  simple  elucidations  of  the  nat- 
ural history  of  the  honey-bee. 

The  ''Xew  Bee-keeper's  Text  Book,"  by  A.  J.  King, 
is  a  revision  of  the  old  edition,  written  by  N.  H.  and  H. 
A.  King.     It  is  small,  compact,  and  valuable. 

"Bee-keeper's  Handy  Book,"  by  H.  Alley,  AVenham, 
Mass.  This  was  published  in  1883.  It  treats  largely 
upon  Queen  Rearing,  in  which  branch  of  bee-keeping  its 
author  has  had  twenty-five  years'  experience.  He  is  one 
of  the  best  informed  bee-keepers  in  this  special  direction, 
and  his  book  should  be  read  by  every  bee-keeper. 

I  have  recently  received  a  prospectus  of  a  new  work 
called  a  ''Dictionary  of  Practical  Apiculture"  by  Prof. 
Thin.  I  believe  that  the  work  will  be  reliable  and  of 
extreme  interest,  as  it  treats  of  a  department  in  bee- 
culture  which  has  not  received  mucli  attention. 

I  must  not  fail  to  recognize  the  aid  we  have  received 
from  foreign  writers  in  their  books  and  periodicals. 
There  are  probably  no  finer,  highiy-magnified  illustra- 
tions of  the  honey-bee,  than  those  found  in  the  "  Anatomy 
and  Physiology  of  the  Honey-Bee,"  by  Michel  Girdwoyn, 
published  by  J.  Rothschild,  Paris,  France. 

Mr.  Quinby's  characteristic  benevolence  caused  him  to 
feel  a  genuine  anxiety  that  bee-keeping  should  become  a 


THE   HONEY-BEE.  23 

generally  followed  pursuit,  and  those  who  were  familiar 
with  his  line  of  thought,  will  remember  the  enthusiasm 
with  which  he  always  encouraged  its  adoption  as  a  means 
of  increasing  the  revenues  of  the  country,  and  at  the 
same  time,  saying  a  product  that  was  annually  going  to 
waste.  • 

If  this  work  shall,  in  any  degree,  carry  out  his  wishes 
in  performing  this  offic3,  I  shall  feel  amply  repaid  for  the 
embarrassments  under  which  I  have  labored,  not  only 
in  the  consciousness  of  having  fulfilled  a  duty  to  him  to 
whom  I  have  been  under  so  many  obligations,  but  in  the 
gratification  of  having,  ever  so  slightly,  advanced  a  call- 
ing that  is  not  only  honorable  and  lucrative,  but  elevat- 
ing and  ennobling. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE    HONEY-BEE. 

SIMPLE   FACTS    IX    ITS    XATUBAL   HISTORY. 

In  its  natural  state,  a  colony  of  bees  consists  of  a 
queen,  several  thousand  workers  and.  during  a  part  of 
the  year,  a  few  hundred  dror.es. 

THE   QUEEN. 

The  Queen  is  the  mother  of  the  entire  colony.  Her 
only  duty  seems  to  be  to  lay  eggs,  of  which  she  sometimes 
deposits  two  thousand  in  twenty-four  hours.  In  shape 
(fig.  1),  she  resembles  the  worker  more  than  the  drone, 
but  is  longer  than  either,  and,  like  the  worker,  possesses 
a  sting,  but  seldom  uses  it.  except  in  combat  with  a  rival 
queen.  Her  color  upon  the  upper  side  is  darker  than 
that  of  the  others  ;  the  two  posterior  legs  and  under-side 
are  of  a  bright  copper  color.     In  some  queens  a  yellow 


24  THE   HONEY-BEE. 

stripe  nearly  encircles  the  abdomen  at  the  joints.  All  the 
colors  are  bright  and  giossy,  and  she  has  but  little  of  the 
down  or  hair  that  is  seen  on  the  drones  and  workers. 
Different  queens  vary  much  in  color,  some  being  much 
darker  than  others.  A  still  greater  variation  is  presented 
in  the  Italian  queens,  mo  it  of  which  are  of  a  rich  golden 
color,  while  a  few  are  even  darker  than  the  usual  shade 
of  the  natives. 

For  the  first  few  days  after  leaving  her  cell,  her  size  is 
much  less  than  after  she  has  assumed  her  maternal  duties. 
The  average  age  attained  by  the  queen,  is 
about  three  years.  The  idea  that  she  gov- 
erns the  colony,  and  directs  all  their  opera- 
tions, is  probably  totally  erroneous.  They 
manifest  a  certain  regard  and  affection  for 
her,  however,  and  a  half  dozen  may  often 
be  seen  gathered  around  her,  as  shown  in 
Fie:.  i.-<jrEBN.  |^g„^p  2      Bpgg  ^j|]^  ^j^gn  destitute  of  a 

queen,  continue  their  labors  to  some  extent,  but  her  pres- 
ence is  necessary  to  insure  their  permanent  prosperity. 

AVORKERS. 

In  size,  the  workers  (fig.  3),  are  smaller  than  the 
queen  or  drones.  Upon  them  devolves  all  the  labor  of 
the  colony.  They  are  provided  with  a  sac  or  bag  for 
gathering  honey,  and  basket-like  cavities  on  their  poste- 
rior legs  in  which  to  pack  the  pollen  of  the  flowers  in 
little  pellets,  for  carrying  it  home  to  the  hive.  They  range 
the  fields  for  honey  and  pollen,  secrete  wax,  construct 
combs,  prepare  food  to  nurse  the  young,  bring  water, 
obtain  propolis  to  seal  up  all  crevices  and  flaws  about  the 
hive,  stand  guard  to  keep  out  intruders,  etc. 

For  the  defence  of  their  treasures  and  themselves, 
they  are  provided  with  a  sting  and  a  virulent  j^oison,  but 
will  seldom  use  it  when  abroad,  if  unmolested  ;  they  vol- 
unteer an  attack  only  Avhen  near  the  hive. 


THE   HONEY-BEE.  25 

This  sting,  as  it  appears  to  the  naked  eye,  is  but  a 
tiny  instrument  of  wai*,  so  small,  indeed,  that  its  wound 


Fig.  2. — A  GBOCP  OF  BEES. 

would  pass  unheeded  by  all  the  larger  animals,  were  it 

not  for  the  poison  introduced  at  the  same  instant.     It 

has  been  described  as   being   "composed 

of  three  parts,  a  sheath  and  two  darts." 

The  greatly  magnified   sting  and  the  sac 

containing  the  poison  are  shown  in  figure  4 

on  the  next  page.     The  darts  which  penc- 

trate   the  flesh  are   close  side  by  side   in 

'  their  sheath  or  tube  below ;    these  darts 

are  also  represented  at  one  side  and  separated  to  show 

2 


26 


THK   HOXEY-BEEr 


the  barbs  or  small  points  with  which  they  arc  fur- 
nished. The  portions  at  each  side  are  muscles,  etc., 
which  remain  attached  when  the  sting  is  drawn  from  the 
bee,  as  happens  when  the  darts  are  thrust  into  the  flesh 
ani  cannot  be  withdrawn  on  account  of  the  barbs;  the 
bee  is  compelled  to  leave  it  behind,  and  loses  its  life. 
The  workers  are  all  females  with  undeveloiDcd  organs 
of  generation,  yet  they  possess 
enough  of  the  maternal  instinct 
to  make  them  good  nurses  for 
the  brood  of  the  real  mother. 
For  several  days  after  the 
young  worker  emerges  from  its 
cell,  it  is  almost  exclusively 
engaged  within  the  hive,  there- 
after  it  assists  in  collecting 
stores. 

The  life  of  the  worker  varies 
from  one  to  eight  months,  ac- 
cording to  the  time  at  which 
it  is  hatched.  In  the  busiest 
season  it  lives  but  a  few  weeks, 
but  when  hatched  at  the  be- 
ginning of  cool  weather,  its  life  is  extended  through 
several  months. 


Fi^.    4.— THE   8TTNG   OF 
WORKER.        a,  DART. 


DEOIfES. 


The  Drones  (fig.  5),  are  the  males ;  their  bodies  are 
large  and  clumsy,  and  without  the  symmetry  of  the  queen 
and  worker.  Their  buzzing  when  on  the  wing,  is  loud, 
and  different  from  that  of  the  workers.  They  have  no 
sting,  and  may  be  taken  in  the  fingers  witli  impunity. 
They  seem  to  be  the  least  valuable  class  in  the  bee-com- 
munity. They  a^^sist,  riometimes,  in  keeping  up  the 
necessary  animal  heat  in  the  hive  ;  but  one  only,  out  of 


THE   HONEY-BEE.  27 

thousands,  is  actually  serviceable  in  fecundating  the 
queen.  The  number  reared  depends  upon 
the  strengtli  of  the  colony,  and  the  stores 
on  hand,  or  being  collected. 

Whenever  a  scarcity  of  honey  occurs, 
they  are  all  destroyed.  Thus  their  life  is 
very  precarious,  being  sometimes  limited 
to  a  few  hours,  or  extended  to  a  few  days, 
weeks,  or  months  ;    but   averaging   much 

less  than  that  of  the  workers. 

COXSTRUCTION    OF    COMB. 

When  the  flowers  expand  their  delicate  jjgtals,  and 
furnish  their  stores  of  nectar  and  pollen,  the  bees  need 
no  stimulus  from  man  to  induce  them  to  secure  these 
proffered  treasures.  Instinct  prompts  them  to  collect 
these  stores,  and  make  suitable  provision  for  the  rearing 
of  their  young.*  To  this  end,  comb  must  be  construct- 
ed ;  to  produce  the  materials  for  this,  a  large  amount  of 
honey  i3  consumed,  and  by  a  wonderful  process  of  nature, 
a  secretion  of  wax  takes  place,  of  which  the  delicate 
combs  are  speedily  built.  (See  Chap.  XII).  The  cells 
of  which  these  combs  are  composed,  are  hexagonal  in 
form,  and  ordinarily  of  two  sizes,  adapted  respectively  to 
the  rearing  of  workers  and  of  drones.  Queen-cells  are 
exceptional  in  shape  and  size,  and  are  constructed  as 
needed,  with  a  view  to  swarming. 

GATHERING    AND    STOEIXG    POLLEN. 

The  pollen  of  flowers  comprises  the  chief  food  of  the 
young  bees.    When  collecting  it,  the  bees  alight  upon  the 


*  The  idea  is  prevalent,  that  when  bees  are  taken  to  a  warm  climate,  where 
they  can  gather  honey  during  the  whole  year,  they  will  lose  this  instinct  to 
flccumulate  stores,  and  only  provide  for  their  Immediate  wants.  This  is  aa 
error,  as  the  large  quantities  of  surplus  honey  stored  in  such  regions,  abaa> 
dantly  prove. 


28  THE   HONEY  BEE. 

flowers,  and  pass  rapidly  over  the  anthers,  the  pollen- 
bearing  portion  of  the  stamens,  detaching  a  portion  of 
the  dust,  whicli  lodges  on  most  parts  of  them,  and  is 
brushed  together  and  packed  in  little  pellets  in  the  curi- 
ous "pollen-baskets"  on  their  posterior  legs. 

This  process  is  much  more  readily  observed,  when 
the  bees  are  collecting  rye-meal,  which  is  sometimes  given 
them  as  a  substitute  for  pollen.  That  they  gather  pollen 
from  but  one  kind  of  flower  at  once,  is  shown  by  the 
uniformity  of  color  in  the  pellets,  pollen  from  different 
species,  varying  greatly  in  color.  It  is  usually  packed  in 
worker-cells,  and  is  generally  in  the  vicinity  of  the  brood- 
combs,  but  small  portions  being  often  found  in  other 
parts  of  the  hive. 

It  is  easy  to  observe  the  bees  depositing  their  loads 
of  pollen.  The  legs  holding  the  pellets  are  thrust  into 
the  cell,  and  a  motion  as  if  rubbing  them  together  is 
made  for  half  a  minute,  when  they  are  withdrawn,  and 
the  little  loaves  may  be  seen  at  the  bottom.  This  bee 
appears  to  take  no  further  care  about  them,  but  another 
will  soon  come  along,  enter  the  cell  head  first,  and  pack 
the  pollen  close.  The  cell  is  filled  about  two-thirds  of  its 
length  in  this  way,  and  when  scaled  over,  a  little  honey  is 
used  to  fill  it  out.  This  is  undoubtedly  done  to  keep  it 
fresh.    The  collected  pollen  is  known  as  "bee-bread." 

GATHERING    AND    STORING   HONEY. 

The  bee  gathers  honey  from  the  flowers,  but  does  not 
make  it,  as  is  frequently  supposed.  It  is  taken  into  the 
honey-sac  or  stomach,  and  on  the  return  to  the  hive,  is 
expelled  for  storage  in  the  cells. 

The  process  of  filling  cells  Avith  honey  is  curious  and 
instructive.  It  may  be  observed  by  quietly  removing  the 
side  of  a  modern  hive,  when  the  bees  are  at  work  on  the 
outside  comb,  or  l)y  arranging  a  window  in  a  hive,  covered 
with  a  door  or  slide. 


THE   HONEY-BEE.  29 

The  bee  goes  to  the  bottom  of  the  cell,  deposits  a 
particle  of  honey,  and  brashes  it  into  the  corners  or 
angles  with  its  tongue,  carefully  excluding  all  the  air. 
As  it  is  filled,  that  nearest  the  sides  of  the  cells  is  kept 
in  advance  of  the  center.  This  is  Just  as  a  philosopher 
would  say  it  should  be  done.  If  the  cell  were  filled  at 
once,  without  attaching  the  honey  to  the  sides,  the  external 
air  would  not  keep  it  in  place,  as  it  now  does  effectually, 
Avhen  the  cell  is  of  ordinary  length.  When  the  cell  is 
about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  deep,  bees  often  commence 
filling  it,  and  as  it  is  lengthened,  they  continue  to  add 
honey,  keeping  it  within  an  eighth  of  an  inch  of  the  ends. 
It  is  never  quite  full,  until  nearly  sealed  over,  and  often 
not  then.  In  worker  cells  the  sealing  seldom  touches 
the  honey.*  But  in  drone  cells  the  case  is  different ;  in 
these,  honey  at  the  end  touches  the  sealing  about  half  way 
up.  It  is  kept  in  the  same  concave  shape  while  being  filled, 
but  being  in  a  larger  cell;  the  atmospheric  pressure  is  less 
effectual  in  keeping  it  in  its  place ;  consequently,  Avhen 
they  commence  sealing  these  cells,  they  begin  on  the 
lower  side,  and  finisli  at'  the  top. 

PEOPOLJS   AND   ITS    USE. 

Propolis  is  doubtless  the  gum  or  resinous  coating 
which  protects  the  buds  of  many  kinds  of  trees. 

It  may  be  found  in  many  species  of  Populus,  particu- 
larly the  Balsam  Poplar,  [Populus  halsamifera),  and  the 
variety  [candicans) ,  known  as  the  Balm  of  Gilead.  I 
have  seen  the  bees  collecting  it.  and  have  frequently  seen 
them  enter  the  hive  with  what  appeared  to  be  the  pure 
article  on  their  legs,  resembling  pollen,  except  that  the 
surface  is  smooth  and  glossy.  It  is  of  a  much  lighter  color 
when  new,  than  it  is  after  it  gets  a  little  age.  I  have 
seen  bees  when  they  appeared  unable  to  dislodge  the  pro- 

•  This  is  true  only  of  the  native  bees. 


30  THE  HONEY-BEE. 

polis  themselves,  and  were  continually  running  around 
among  those  engaged  in  using  it  in  tlie  hive. 

When  one  required  a  little,  it  seized  the  pellet  with 
its  forceps,  and  detached  a  portion.  The  whole  lump 
will  not  cleave  off  at  once,  but  firmly  adheres  to  the  leg, 
and  from  its  tenacity,  a  string  an  inch  long,  will  some- 
times be  formed  in  separating.  This  substance  is  used 
to  solder  up  all  the  cracks,  flaws,  and  irregularities  about 
the  hive.  A  coat  is  spread  over  the  inside  throughout, 
and  when  the  hive  is  full,  and  many  bees  cluster  outside 
the  latter  part  of  summer,  they  also  spread  a  coating 
there.  A  layer  seems  to  be  annually  applied,  as  old  hives 
are  coated  with  a  thickness  proportionate  to  their  age, 
provided  they  have  been  occupied  by  a  strong  family. 

In  August  they  use  a  hundred-fold  more  propolis 
than  at  any  time  before.  Boxes  filled  iiv  June  contain 
but  very  little,  sometimes  none ;  but  when  filled  in 
August,  the  corners,  and  sometimes  the  top  and  sides  are 
well  lined.  Cracks,  large  enough  for  the  bees  to  pass 
through,  are  sometimes  completely  filled  with  it. 

BROOD-REABIIfG. — ^WHEN   IT    BEGINS. 

The  period  at  which  the  queen  commences  depositing 
her  eggs,  depends  upon  the  strength  of  the  colony,  and 
the  amount  of  honey  on  hand.  If  these  conditions  are 
favorable,  breeding  will  take  place,  to  a  certain  extent, 
during  the  winter  months,  but  is  not  carried  on  largely 
until  warm  weather  approaches,  and  honey  is  gathered 
freely. 

FORM  OF  THE   BROOD-lirEST. 

The  first  eggs  are  deposited  in  that  part  of  the  comb 
which  is  in  the  center  of  the  cluster  of  bees  and  is  tlie 
warmest  part  of  the  hive.  A  small  space  is  occupied  at 
first,  and  the  cells  opposite,  in  the  same  comb,  are  used 
next. 


THE  HONEY-BEE.  31 

If  there  is  sufficient  warmth  in  the  hive,  produced 
either  by  warm  weather  or  generated  by  the  bees,  the  queen 
will  fill  a  spot  on  the  adjoining  combs  corresponding  with 
the  first,  but  not  quite  so  large.  The  cii'cle  of  eggs  in  the 
first  comb  is  then  enlarged,  and  more  added  to  ti\c  next, 
and  so  on,  continuing  to  spread,  and  keeping  the  dis- 
tance from  the  center  to  the  outside  of  the  space  occu- 
pied by  eggs  about  equally  on  all  sides,  until  they  occupy 
the  entire  surface  of  the  comb.  Long  before  the  outer 
edge  is  occupied,  the  first  eggs  deposited  are  matured,  and 
the  queen  returns  to  the  center,  and  uses  these  cells 
again,  but  she  is  not  as  particular  this  time  to  fill  so  many 
in  exact  order  as  at  first,  though  with  the  Italian  queens, 
the  brood  is  always  very  compact. 

The  rapidity  Avith  which  this  brood-nest  is  extended, 
depends  upon  the  supply  of  food  that  is  being  collected, 
the  strength  of  the  colony,  and  their  ability  to  properly 
protect  and  care  for  the  maturing  brood. 

PEOCESS   OF    EGG-LAYING. 

It  is  yery  interesting  to  watch  the  queen  in  this 
operation.  I  have  frequently  lifted  out  a  comb  on  which 
an  Italian  queen  was  engaged  in  laying,  Avithout  inter- 
rupting her  in  the  least.  The  light  has  no  immediate 
effect  upon  her,  as  she  will  quietly  continue  about  her 
duty,  not  the  least  embarrassed  by  curious  eyes. 

Before  depositing  an  egg,  she  enters  the  cell  head 
first,  probably  to  ascertain  if  it  is  in  proper  condition,  as 
a  cell  partly  filled  with  pollen  or  honey,  is  never  used. 
When  it  is  fit  to  receive  the  egg,  on  withdrawing  her 
head,  she  immediately  curves  her  abdomen  and  inserts  it. 
After  a  few  seconds  she  leaves  the  cell,  when  an  egg  may 
be  seen  attached  by  one  end  to  the  bottom.  It  is  about 
one-sixteenth  of  an  inch  in  length,  slightly  curved,  very 
small,  nearly  uniform  the  whole  length,  abruptly  rounded 


32 


TUE   HUXEY-REE. 


EGG9   AND   LAKT.E. 


at  the  ends,  semi-transparent,  and  covered  witli  a  very 
thin  and  delicate  coat,  which  will  often  break  at  the 
slightest  touch. 

WHEK   THE    EGGS   HATCH. 

After  the  egg  has  been  in  the  cell  aljoiit  three  days,  a 
small  white  worm  may  be  se?n  coiled  in  the  bottom,  sur- 
rounded l)y  a  milk-like  sub- 
stance, which,  without  doubt, 
is  its  food.  How  this  food  is 
prepared,  is  mere  conjecture. 
The  supposition  is,  that  it  is 
chiefly  composed  of  pollen ; 
this  is  strongly  indicated  by 
the  quantity  which  accumu' 
lates  in  hives  that  lose  their 
queen  and  rear  no  brood — that 
is,  when  a  requisite  number  of 
workers  is  left.  The  workers  may  be  seen  entering  the 
cell  every  few  minutes,  probably  to  supply  this  food. 
"When  the  comb  is  new  and  white,  these  operations  can 
be  seen  more  distinctly  than  when  it  is  old  and  dark. 
(Fig.  6.) 

In  about  six  days  after  the  worm  hatches,  it  is  sealed 
over  with  a  convex  waxen  lid.  It  is  now  hidden  from  our 
sight  for  about  twelve  days,  when  it  bites  off  the  cover, 
and  comes  forth  a  perfect  bee.  A  very  thin  silken 
cocoon  remains,  which  has  been  spun  by  the  larva.  Old 
combs  are  sometimes  thought  to  be  objectionable,  from 
the  accumulation  of  these  cocoons,  thereby  reducing  the 
cells  in  size,  and  diminishing  the  size  of  the  bees  reared 
in  them ;  but  the  extreme  thinness  of  the  Iming  deprives 
tliis  objection  of  force.  The  period  from  the  egg  to  the 
perfect  bee,  varies  from  twenty  to  twenty-four  days,  aver- 
aging about  twenty-one  for  workers,  and  twenty-four  for 
drones.    The  temperature  of  the  hive  will  vary  somevvhat 


THE  HOXEY-BEE.  33 

vith  the  atmosphere  ;  it  is  also  governed  by  the  number 
of  bees.  A  low  temperature  probably  retards  the  develop- 
ment of  brood,  while  a  high  one  facilitates  it. 

The  young  bee,  when  it  first  hatches  from  the  egg,  is 
termed  a  larva  ;  from  this  state  it  changes  to  the  shape  of 
the  perfect  bee,  which  is  said  to  be  three  days  after  finish- 
ing the  cocoon.  From  the  time  of  this  change,  until  it  is 
ready  to  leave  the  cell,  the  terms  j^upa,  nymph,  and  chry- 
salis, are  applied.  The  lid  of  the  drone  cell  is  rather 
more  convex  than  that  of  the  worker,  and  when  removed 
by  the  young  bee  in  working  its  way  out,  is  left  nearly 
perfect,  beiug  cut  off  around  the  edges  ;  a  coat  or  lining 
of  silk  keeps  it  whole.  The  covering  of  the  worker  cell  is 
mostly  wax,  and  is  much  cut  to  pieces  by  the  time  the 
bee  emerges.  The  covering  to  the  queen  cell  is  like  that 
of  the  drone  cell,  but  of  greater  diameter,  and  thicker, 
being  lined  with  a  little  more  silk. 

The  difference  between  sealed  brood-cells,  and  honey- 
cells,  is  chiefly  distinguishable  by  the  darker  color  of  the 
capping  of  the  former,  and  their  slight  depression  below 
the  plane  of  the  honey-cells. 

At  the  proper  season,  when  the  hive  becomes  crowded 
with  bees,  and  honey  is  plenty,  and  they  are  left  to  the 
course  which  their  natural  instincts  dictate,  preparations 
for  swarming  will  commence.  One  of  the  first  steps  is 
the  construction  of  more  or  less  queen-cells. 

THE    QUEEX-CELL. 

The  shape  of  this  cell  depends  on  the  position  of  the 
comb  from  which  it  is  made  :  if,  from  a  comb  with  cells 
of  ordinary  length,  they  are  enlarged,  lengthened,  and 
turned  downward.  If  the  cells  are  not  very  deep,  or  are 
near  the  lower  edge  of  the  comb  where  there  is  abundant 
room  to  turn  them  down,  the  enlargement  and  change  of 
direction  will  be  made  very  soon  after  they  decide  upon 
making  a  queen-cell. 


34  THE  HONEY-BEE. 

Cells  that  are  short,  like  those  on  the  lower  edge  of 
comb  not  completed,  or,  on  the  side,  seem  to  be  preferred, 
and  quite  a  number  are  often  built  close  together. 

When  these  are  one-third  or  one-half  dorui,  the  queen 
■will  deposit  eggs  in  them. 

When  hatched,  the  larva  is  supplied  with  a  super- 
abundance of  food  ;  this  appears  from  the  fact  that  a 
quantity  is  frequently  found  remaining  in  the  cell  after 
the  queen  has  left.  The  consistency  of  this  substance  is 
about  like  cream,  the  color  somewhat  lighter,  or  just 
tinged  with  yellow. 

The  time  in  which  an  egg,  originally  destined  for  a 
queen,  matures,  does  not  vary  much  from  sixteen  days. 
When  some  of  these  young  queens  are  sufficiently  ad- 
vanced to  be  sealed  over,  the  old  queen,  and  the  greater 
part  of  the  workers,  abandon  the  hive  for  a  new  location, 
(this action  is  termed  "  swarming"),  leaving  those  remain- 
ing to  maintain  the  prosperity  of  the  old  home.  The 
bees  after  leaving,  soon  collect  in  a  cluster,  and  if  put  in 
an  empty  hive,  will  commence  anew  their  labors,  con- 
structing combs,  rearing  brood,  and  storing  honey  ;  thus 
establishing  a  new  colony. 

In  ordinary  circumstances  when  a  swarm  has  thus  left 
a  stock,  the  oldest  of  the  young  queens  is  ready  to  issue 
from  her  cell  in  about  seven  or  eight  days.  When  she 
appears,  she  will,  if  not  restrained  by  the  bees,  at  once 
proceed  to  bite  into  the  remaining  queen-cells  and  sting 
the  immature  queens  to  death.  But  if  another  swarm  is 
not  contemplated  they  will  permit  her  to  accomplish 
their  destruction.  In  three  or  four  aays  thereafter,  if 
the  weather  is  favorable,  the  queen  will  leave  the  hive 
for  connection  with  the  drone. 

In  their  preliminary  preparations  for  swarming  num- 
bers of  drones  have  been  reared  for  this  purpose.  This 
meeting  takes  place  high  in  the  air.  The  queen  upon 
her  return  frequently  bears  evident  marks  of  the  connec- 


THE  HONEY-BEE.  35 

tion,  and  usually  begins  to  lay  in  three  to  four  days 
afterwards,  and  continues  throughout  the  season,  unless 
some  special  interruption  occurs. 

Except  upon  this  occasion,  and  in  leading  out  a 
swarm,  the  queen  j)robably  never  voluntarily  leaves  the 
hive. 

If,  from  any  cause,  the  yield  of  honey  fails  so  far  as 
to  make  the  existence  of  a  swarm  in  any  way  hazardous, 
these  preparations  are  abandoned,  and  the  young  queens 
in  all  stages,  from  the  egg  to  maturity,  are  destroyed. 

When  this  takes  place  the  drones  are  the  next  vic- 
tims. But  when  this  scarcity  ahd  consequent  destruction 
do  not  occur,  the  drones  are  spared  until  later  in  the 
season,  still  they  seldom  survive  the  winter.  The  presence 
of  drones  in  a  hive  at  an  unusual  season,  indicates  the 
absence  or  deficiency  of  a  queen. 

FACTS   AXD   THEORIES   COXCERNIXG    GEXERATIOS". 

The  theory  of  partheno-genesis  demonstrated  by  Dzier- 
zon,  the  able  apiarian  of  Germany,  is  confirmed  by  the 
experiments  of  Mr.  Langstroth  aad  many  others.  Mr. 
Langstroth  relates  some  interesting  observations,  proving 
that  unimpreguated  or  virgin  queens  produce  drone 
progeny  only,  and  that  queens  or  work^s  cannot  be  reared 
from  such  eggs.  Dzierzon  established  the  fact  that  all 
impregnated  eggs  produce  workers  or  queens. 

Mr.  Quinby  was  not  only  a  diligent  student  of  all  the 
views  and  experiments  of  these  scientific  apiarians,  but  in 
his  own  investigations,  was  ceaseless  in  the  endeavor  to 
demonstrate  the  truths  which  a  genuine  enthusiasm 
prompted  him  to  seek. 

Many  of  these  facts  recorded  by  other  investigators  he 
proved  for  himself,  and  during  my  association  wich  him 
1  assisted  him  largely  in  his  experiments.  That  drone- 
eggs  are  not  affected  by  the  impregnation  of  the  queen, 


36 


THE   HO>fEY-BEE. 


we  clearly  demonstrated,  as  have  many  others,  by  the 
simiile  test  of  an  Italian  queen,  fecundated  by  a  native 
drone,  which  produced  pure  Italian  drones,  and  mixed 
queens  and  workers.  Also,  when  a  native  queen  meets  an 
Italian  drone,  the  result  is  similar ;  the  drones  are  pure 
natives,  and  the  others  of  mixed  blood. 

These  facts  being  determined,  it  is  easy  to  understand 
how  the  eggs  of  an  unimpregnated  queen,  will  produce 

drones  in  whatever  cells 
they  may  be  deposited.  The 
fertilization  of  the  queen 
fills  the  spermatheca  with 
the  seminal  fluid,  which 
impregnates  a  certain  por- 
tion of  the  eggs,  as  they 
pass  from  the  ovaries, 
through  the  oviduct  in 
the  process  of  egg-laying. 
(Fig.  7). 

The  precise  causes  which 
produce  the  fertilization  of 
this  certain  portion  of  eggs, 
viz.,  those  from  which 
queens  and  workers  are 
hatched,  and  the  non-fer- 
tilization of  drone-eggs,  are 
yet  the  basis  of  some  dis- 

Fig.    7.— OVABIES   OF   THE   QUEEN.       ^^^ggjon. 

Mr.  Wagner,  the  founder  of  the  American  Bee  Journal, 
advocated  the  theory  that  fertilization  was  affected  by  the 
size  of  the  cells  in  which  the  eggs  were  deposited ;  the 
slight  compression  produced  by  the  small  Avorker  cells, 
being  sufficient  to  force  the  fluid  from  the  spermatheca 
as  the  eggs  are  laid.  Mr.  Quinby  took  this  view,  all  his 
experience  tendmg  to  corroborate  it.  In  support  of  this, 
he  says:  "When  I  first  saw  th(!  smallest  queen  that  I 


THK    nOXEY-BEE.  37 

ever  raised,  "whose  body  was  even  smaller  than  that  of  a 
worker,  it  occurred  to  me  at  once  that  if  she  ever  laid,  it 
would  be  a  test  of  this  theory.  Her  body  being  small,  it 
could  not  be  compressed  like  that  of  others,  and  a  large 
portion  of  her  progeny,  would  prove  to  be  drones  in  work- 
er-cells. The  result  was  just  what  I  expected  ;  one  half 
were  drones." 

Capt.  Hetherington  vouches  for  similar  experience,  and 
approves  of  this  theory.  Prof.  Cook,  who  claims  that 
the  fertilizing  fluid  is  forced  out  at  will,  by  voluntary 
muscular  contraction,  presents  the  opposijig  statement, 
that  very  small  queens  make  no  mistakes,  and  that  with 
no  drone-cells,  the  queen  Avill  sometimes  lay  drone-eggs  in 
worker-cells  which  will  hatch  drones,  and  also  that  she 
will,  if  compelled,  reluctantly  place  worker-eggs  in  drone- 
cells. 

I  have  read  and  re-read  this  statement  to  see  if  I  could 
not  find  some  qualification,  that  would  harmonize  it  with 
my  own  observations,  but  in  this,  our  experience  differs 
widely.  We,  (Mr.  Quinby  and  myself,)  gave  this  point  a 
great  deal  of  earnest  thought  and  study.  In  hundreds  of 
tests  and  experiments  we  were  never  able  to  detect  a  sin- 
gle variation  in  the  rule,  that  a  worker  or  queen  would 
never  be  hatched  from  an  egg,  deposited  in  a  drone-cell 
of  ordinary  size  and  depth.  This  is  corroborated  by  the 
fact  that  when  furnishing  a  strong  swarm  with  none  but 
drone-combs,  where  their  natural  instinct  would  lead  them 
to  rear  workers,  if  possible,  I  have  never  found  workers 
or  queens  raised  under  these  circumstances.  This  con- 
clusion is  sustained  by  some  of  the  best  writers  of  the  past 
and  present. 

Prof.  Cook  argues  against  Mr.  "Wagner's  theory  from 
the  fact  that  fertilized  eggs  are  deposited  in  queen-cells, 
which  are  too  large  to  afford  the  necesssary  compression, 
and  also  in  unfinished  worker-cells  whose  walls  are  not 
euflficiently  extended  to  produce  it. 


38  THE   HONEY-BEE. 

I  would  suggest  as  an  explanation  of  this,  that  where 
she  is  not  aided  by  the  size  of  the  cell,  as  in  ordinary 
worker-cells,  the  shallowness  of  these  unfinished  queen 
and  workar-cells  affords  her  room  to  curve  her  body,  in 
order  to  accomplish  the  desired  fertilization. 

In  reference  to  this,  one  fact  must  be  borne  in  mind, 
that  in  all  our  experience  has  held  good,  which  is,  that 
an  egg  is  not  found  to  be  deposited  in  a  queen-cell  after 
it  has  been  built  out  to  its  full  length.  In  my  mind  this 
rule  is  established,  (although  it  is  not  well  to  consider 
these  points  invariable),  that  a  queen  cannot  deposit  a 
fertile  egg  in  a  full  length  queen-cell  or  drone-cell,  from 
the  lack  of  the  aid  of  these  requisites  to  compression. 

On  the  whole,  I  am"  inclined  to  sustain  Mr.  Wagner's 
view,  to  the  extent  that  the  size  of  the  worker-cells  aids 
in  producing  the  muscular  effort  which  secures  fertiliza- 
tion ;  and  also  the  idea  that  in  cases  where  eggs  are  de- 
posited in  incomplete  worker  or  queen-cells,  the  curving 
of  her  body  tends  to  produce  the  same  result. 

May  not  the  instance  which  Prof.  Cook  cites  of  a 
worker-egg  being  deposited  in  a  drone-cell,  be  accounted 
for  on  the  supposition  that  the  egg  was  laid  before  the 
cell  was  complete  ? 

FERTILE   WORKERS. 

There  are  exceptional  instances  where  workers  become 
able  to  deposit  eggs  but.  like  those  of  the  virgin  queen, 
they  invariably  produce  drones. 

It  may  not  be  very  difficult  to  account  for  this  anoma- 
lous production  of  eggs,  if  we  consider  workers  to  be  simply 
undevelojiod  females.  The  deprivation  of  a  queen  that 
always  precedes  the  occurrence,  may  produce  the  in- 
tense desire  for  the  continued  welfare  of  the  colony, 
which  develops  their  internal  struccnre  to  a  suf- 
ficient degree  to  produce  eggs.  Mr.  Quinby  dis- 
proved the  theory  of  Huber  that  they  are  developed  by 


ITALIAN   BEES.  39 

being  reared  in  the  vicinity  of  queen-cells,  and  partaking 
of  a  small  quantity  of  royal  food  ;  by  the  fact  that  he  had 
fertile  workers  that  were  taken  from  a  colony  that  had 
never  reared  a  queen. 

Personally,  I  have  great  interest  in  these  physiological 
investigations,  but  have  jireferred  to  carry  out  the  original 
design  of  this  book,  in  dwelling  chiefly  upon  the  practical, 
rather  than  the  theoretical  and  scientific  phases  of  the 
subject. 

The  natural  history  of  the  bee  has  been  most  ably  pre-« 
sented  by  Prof.  Cook,  in  his  "Manual  of  the   Apiary,*' 
whi:'h  I  heartily  commend  to  all  who   are  interested  iu 
that  branch  of  apiarian  science. 


CHAPTER     II. 

ITALIAN    BEES. 
ITALIAN    OR    LIGURIAN    BEES. 

It  is  only  within  the  past  twenty  years  that  American 
bee-keepers  have  known  of  the  existence  of  any  other  than 
our  native,  or  dark-colored,  bees.  '  Classical  scholars  famil- 
iar with  Aristotle  and  Virgil,  have  doubtless  read  of  the 
different  varieties  described  by  them,  but  would  scarcely 
imagine  that  the  beautiful  golden  bees  of  Virgil's  song 
have  perpetuated  their  race  in  such  purity,  that  their 
descendants  are  to-day  bred  as  a  distinct  variety  in  our 
apiaries. 

Mr.  Langstroth,  in  his  valuable  treatise,  gives  much 
interesting  information  concerning  the  cultivation  of  the 
Italian  bees  in  Europe,  to  which  I  refer  those  curious 
upon  the  subject. 

FIRST   INTRODUCED    IN   AMERICA. 

Efforts  were  made  to  import  Italian  bees  to  America  in 


40  ITALIAN   BEES. 

1855  and  1859,  but,  I  believe,  none  were  successful  until 
1860,  when  Mr.  Malian,  Mr.  S.  B.  Parsons,  and  others, 
first  introduced  them.  They  were  at  once  received  with 
very  general  approbation.  In  fact,  they  met  with  such 
favor  that,  until  very  recently,  I  have  known  of  but  few 
instances  of  dissatisfaction. 

Nearly  every  apiarian  of  note  admitted  most  of  the  su- 
perior qualities  claimed  for  them  by  German  bee-keepers, 
before  their  introduction  here,  and  which  were  afterwards 
set  forth  by  those  who  first  brought  them  into  notice. 

CH  A  RACTERISTICS. 

The  Italian  bees  were  said  to  be  larger  and  more  beau- 
tiful, more  prolific,  to  swarm  earlier  and  of tener,  to  work 
earlier  and  later,  and  to  gather  more  honey,  to  work  on 
blossoms  that  the  natives  do  not,  to  be  less  inclined  to 
rob,  to  defend  themselves  better,  and  to  be  less  disposed 
to  sting,  besides  possessing  many  minor  excellencies. 

It  speaks  well  for  the  judgment  of  our  German  friends 
that,  where  they  claimed  so  much  for  these  bees,  their 
representations  should  be  so  well  sustained. 

There  are  parties  who  have  recently  gone  to  the  other 
extreme,  and  affirm  them  to  be  even  inferior  to  our  native 
bees.  AVhile  the  Italians  have  been  domesticated  in  nearly 
every  part  of  this  country,  and  the  majority  of  intelligent 
bee-keepers  have  become  familiar  with  their  habits  and 
qualities,  it  is  nevertheless  true  that  very  many  are  still 
unacquainted  with  them. 

The  history  of  this  race  of  bees  for  the  past  2,000  years 
gives  us  an  intelligent  idea  of  their  general  characteris- 
tics, but  the  authority  from  which  I  shall  sj^ak  with 
most  assurance,  is  my  own  personal  experience  with  them 
during  the  past  ten  years,  combined  with  that  of  Mr. 
Quinby,  who  had  cultivated  them,  with  the  patience  and 
enthusiasm  for  which  he  was  noted,  for  fifteen  years.    He 


ITALIAN    BEES.  41 

was  among  the  very  first  to  secure  Italian  queens;  reared 
from  the  first  imported  stock  in  1860,  and  subsequently 
imported  them  himself.  Probably  no  other  bee-keeper, 
at  that  date,  took  more  enthusiastic  interest  in  their 
cultivation  or  pursued  his  experiments  with  less  prejudice 
for  or  against  them,  than  Mr.  Quinby. 

Being  associated  in  business  with  him  for  five  years,  I 
received  the  benefit  of  his  most  careful  experiments  and 
observations. 

AVe  bred  Italians  largely  for  the  trade,  for  which  purpose 
we  had  stock  that  equalled  any  in  America.  We  also 
operated  for  honey,  each  season,  from  200  to  400  colonies 
comprised  of  both  natives  and  Italians,  as  well  as  hybrids 
of  all  grades.  If  there  are  any  tests  to  which  we  did  not 
repeatedly  subject  them,  I  am  unable  to  imagine  what 
they  may  be. 

With  the  benefit  of  this  experience,  then,  let  us  con- 
sider some  of  the  various  excellencies  claimed  for  them. 

Larger  and  More  Beautiful. — It  is  an  easily  verified 
fact,  first  noticed  by  Dzierzon,  that  the  size  of  the  cells 
in  which  Italians  and  natives  are  reared,  is  the  same,  and 
it  must  naturally  follow  that  the  bees  themselves  cannot 
differ  perceptibly  in  size. 

Our  attention  has  been  forcibly  called  to  this  point, 
when  we  have  shipped  Italian  bees  to  parties  who  were 
disappointed  because  they  were  not  larger;  and  I  have  no 
doubt  that  they  also  failed  to  meet  expectations  in  regard 
to  their  boasted  superiority  in  color  and  beauty.  Yet, 
I  consider  this  point  of  beauty  one  to  be  appreciated. 
When  the  young  Italians  are  flnng  thickly  in  front  of 
their  hive  on  a  sunny  dav,  I  pronounce  them  truly  beau- 
tiful. 

More  Prolific. — This  I  have  demonstrated  to  my  satis- 
faction. The  Italian  queen  deposits  her  eggs  more  com- 
pactly in  the  combs  than  does  the  native.  This  is  so 
evident,  that  I  usually  have  no  trcuble,  when  a  card  of 


43  ITALIAN'    IJEES. 

brood  is  brought  to  me,  in  determining  whether  the  eggs 
were  laid  by  an  Italian  or  native  queen. 

Another  reason  why  they  are  more  prolific,  is,  that  they 
venture  out  in  cool,  spring  weather,  bringing  in  both 
water  and  pollen,  when  the  natives  are  less  energetic.  Of 
this,  I  shall  speak  further  in  connection  with  other  points. 
If  taken  from  winter  quarters  too  early  in  spring,  their 
disposition  prompts  them  to  great  activity,  and  they  ven- 
ture out  and  are  lost,  which  accounts  for  their  suffering 
more  largely  by  Avasting  in  spring,  than  the  natives. 

Swarm  Earlier  and  Oftener. — The  fact  that  tl)ey  are 
more  prolific,  indicates  that  they  will  become  jiopulous 
earlier  in  the  season,  and  this  being  tlie  prime  requisite 
for  early  swarms,  it  readily  follows  that  they  may  be  ex- 
pected to  swarm  earlier.  It  is  noticeable  that,  whatever 
the  variety,  those  that  swarm  soonest  also  swarm  of  tcnest. 
With  the  present  advanced  system  of  management,  Avhere 
swarming  is  not  desired,  this  tendency  is  not  itself  an 
advantage,  but  the  condition  that  gives  us  a  large  num- 
ber of  bees,  is  of  much  importance.  AVe  thus  secure  a 
large  force  available  when  swarming  is  controlled. 

Worh  Earlier  and  Later,  gather  more  Honey,  and  Worh 
on  Blossoms  that  tlie  Kalives  do  not. — This,  doubtless, 
may  be  the  case  at  times.  We  have  had  Italian  swarms 
fill  boxes  with  white  honey,  not  storing  a  cell  of  dark, 
when,  at  the  same  time,  the  natives  were  working  exclu- 
sively on  Buckwheat;  that  plant  3-ields  honey  only  in  the 
early  part  of  the  day,  and  such  swarms  of  Italians  will  be 
found  at  work  much  more  freely  in  the  afternoon  than  the 
others. 

It  is  in  the  nature  of  the  bee  that,  when  honey  is 
abundant,  all  bees  will  improve  all  their  time,  even  fre- 
quently leaving  the  hive  so  late  at  night,  that  they  do  not 
return  until  the  next  morning,  if  fortuntite  enougli  to  do 
so  at  all.  That  Italians  do  work  upon  some  kinds  of 
blossoms    more  freely  than   natives,  as  upon  the  Bed 


ITALIAN    BEES.  43 

Clover,  lias  been  confirmed  by  a  variety  of  testimony. 
This,  may,  to  some  extent,  account  for  the  reports  we 
hear  of  their  gathering  double  as  much  honey  as  the  na- 
tives in  the  same  locality.  If  only  buckwheat  honey  Avere 
accessible,  I  should  expect  the  natives  to  gather  the  most, 
as  they  work  much  better  upon  it  than  do  the  Italians. 
It  is  certain  that  either  they  do  not  maintain  the  standard 
claimed  in  this  respect,  or  else  they  must  take  some  such 
advantage  as  above  stated.  While  I  confess  to  a  prefer- 
ence for  the  Italians  in  this  regard,  our  experience  Avill 
hardly  justify  the  extreme  superiority  claimed. 

Less  Inclined  to  Rob. — I  can  hardly  imagine  how  any 
practical  bee-keeper  can  come  to  this  conclusion.  The 
same  characteristics  that  make  them  more  vigorous  in 
securing  stores  from  other  sources,  must  prompt  them  to 
activity,  when  honey  is  in  any  way  improperly  exposed. 

In  regard  to  their  propensity  to  rob,  Mr.  Quinby  says: 
**  Their  industry,  activity,  and  keen  scent  are  remarka- 
ble, enabling  them  to  find  honey  where  the  natives  are 
seldom  seen."  When  feeding  rye-flour,  it  is  noticeable 
that  the  Italians  .are  first  to  carry  it  away  with  zeal.  If 
this  were  not  true,  I  should  have  no  faith  in  the  state- 
ments  in  regard  to  their  superiority  in  early  increase,  etc. 
If  honey  in  the  comb  is  exposed,  they  are  the  first  to  find 
it,  and  if  the  comb  is  new  and  tender,  they  will  appro- 
priate it,  and  use  it  in  the  construction  of  their  own 
comb. 

Although  I  have  never  practised  it  largely,  I  find,  by 
experiment,  that  wax  made  from  waste  pieces  of  comb, 
may  be  utilized  by  melting  it,  and  stirring  thoroughly 
with  honey  or  syrup  as  it  cools  ;  this  leaves  the  wax  in 
particles  that  may  be  fed  for  comb-building.  As  there 
are  occasionally  instances  when  the  Italians  are  busy  upon 
blossoms  which  the  natives  do  not  frequent,  and  the 
latter  are,  from  lack  of  forage,  comparatively  idle,  they 
mav  from  this  cause,  at  times,  be  first  to  find  a  weak 


44  ITALIAN    BEES. 

swarm  and  rob  it,  tlms  furnishing  plausible  evidence  in 
favor  of  the  better  habits  of  the  Italians. 

Defend  Themselves  Better, — Here  I  apply  the  same 
test  of  determination  and  vigor,  and  endorse  the  superi- 
ority claimed  for  them  in  this  particular.  I  have  fre- 
quently observed  them,  as  they  alighted  near  the  entrance 
of  a  hive  of  natives,  and  in  almost  every  instance  escaped, 
after  being  seized  by  those  belonging  there,  and  I  have 
as  often  seen  the  reverse  occur,  Avhen  the  natives  trespass* 
ed  upon  the  premises  of  the  Italians.  Wiien  detected, 
they  were  seized,  and  in  nearly  every  case  stung  to  death. 
The  Italians  seem  to  be  more  constantly  on  the  watch, 
and  more  swift  to  discern  the  approach  of  an  enemy. 
I  find  that  a  much  smaller  swarm  of  Italians  than  of 
natives,  may  be  expected  to  defend  themselves  success- 
fully. 

Less  Inclined  to  Stinff. — The  past  record  of  this  variety 
of  the  honey-bee,  represents  them  as  being  much  more 
docile,  and  manifesting  far  less  inclination  to  sting.  This, 
no  doubt,  arose  from  the  fact  that  they  had  not  been  so 
harshly  treated  as  our  natives.  Our  experience  confirms 
the  statement,  that  if  an  Italian  queen  is  reared  from 
pure  stock,  and  the  swarm  handled  as  gently  as  it  should 
be,  from  the  outset,  they  will  be  found  pleasant  to  man- 
jige,  and  less  disposed  to  sting ;  but  if  smoked  with 
tobacco,  and  roughly  treated,  the  energy  displayed-  in 
other  directions  is  here  manifested,  and  the  result  will 
be  a  larger  number  of  stings,  and  a  worse  effect  than 
from  the  natives. 

Ilj/brids  are  pronounced  by  many  preferable  to  either 
of  the  pure  varieties,  and  they  are  unquestionably  among 
the  best  of  boney-gatherers.  I  much  prefer  the  pure 
Italians  because  oi  their  better  disposition. 

As  Box-Honey  Workers. — That  box-honey  usually  pre- 
sents a  finer  appearance  when  stored  by  the  natives,  I 
think  will  he  generally  conceded.     The  Italians  store  the 


ITALIAN   BEES.  45 

cells  fuller,  and  cap  them  over  directly  against  the  honey, 
giving  the  surface  a  watery  appearance  ;  while  the  na- 
tives leave  a  little  unfilled  place  which  causes  the  cap- 
ping to  appear  whiter.  The  difEerence  is  so  marked  that 
an  expert  can  usually  tell,  by  examining  a  box  of  honey, 
by  which  variety  of  bees  it  was  stored.  While  this  pe- 
culiarity of  the  Italians  may  affect  the  appearance  of  box- 
honey,  I  conceive  that  it  is  an  advantage  where  the  honey 
is  stored  in  combs  for  winter,  as  this  complete  filling  of 
the  cells  entirely  excludes  every  particle  of  air. 

More  Peaceable  while  being  Handled. — That  the  pure 
Italians  are  more  agreeable  to  handle,  I  believe  there  is 
no  room  to  dispute.  The  search  for  a  queen,  will  con- 
vince the  most  prejudiced  of  the  truth  of  this  assertion. 
The  Italians,  both  queen  and  workers,  will  remain  quietly 
upon  the  combs,  while  the  natives  are  much  more  easily 
disturbed. 

I  prefer  the  Italians,  when  extracting,  yet  the  fact  that 
they  cling  so  closely  to  the  comb,  is  an  inconvenience,  as 
it  increases  the  labor  of  the  operation.  While  the  black 
bees  may  be  nearly  all  dislodged  from  the  comb  by  a  sud- 
den movement,  many  of  the  Italians  must  be  brushed  off 
with  a  wing. 

Mot1i-Larv(B. — W^e  find  Italians  much  less  liable  to  be 
injured  by  the  larvae  of  the  bee-moth,  when,  from  any 
cause,  they  become  reduced  in  number.  Their  superi- 
ority to  the  natives  in  this  respect  is  well  marked,  as 
might  be  inferred  from  their  energetic  nature. 

Late  Breeding. — It  is  affirmed  that  the  natives  breed 
later  in  the  fall,  and  conseqtiently  go  into  winter  quart- 
ers with  more  young  bees.  Let  us  illustrate  with  a  colony 
of  each  variety.  Let  boxes  be  placed  upon  both  hives, 
and  furnislied  so  long  as  the  yield  of  honey  continues. 
As  the  yield  diminishes,  it  will  be  found  that  breeding 
continues  more  largely  Avith  the  natives,  and  the  honey 
will  be  stored  in  the  boxes  ;  while  the  Italians  will  fill 


46  ITALIAN  BEES. 

the  space  in  the  brood-chamber,  with  stores,  earlier  in 
the  season,  and  be  much  heavier  in  the  fall  than  the  na- 
tives. When  the  honey  season  is  over,  we  have  known 
native  colonies  that  had  stored  a  goodly  amount  of  honey 
in  boxes,  to  be  entirely  without  in  the  brood-chamber.* 

This  shows  why  the  Italians  rear  less  brood  late  in  the 
season.  It  is  not  that  they  do  not  prolong  breeding  as 
late  as  the  others,  but  their  space  is  more  limited.  We 
have  tested  them  extensively,  when  the  combs  were 
emptied  in  extracting,  and  invariably  found  them  to 
breed  as  late  and  as  freely  as  the  natives.  A  little  fore- 
thought will  easily  supply  the  required  conditions,  and 
obviate  this  cause  of  complaint. 

Lotiger  Life. — If  one  desires  to  determine  the  relative 
length  of  life  of  the  two  varieties,  it  may  be  done  by 
taking  a  comb  of  brood  that  is  just  beginning  to  mature, 
from  each  of  two  colonies,  Italian  and  native. 

Select  such  cards  as  contain  nearly  equal  quantities  of 
brood.  Place  them  in  an  empty  hive  with  such  bees  as 
adhere  to  them,  and  leave  them  to  hatch.  This  should 
be  done  when  honey  is  being  gathered.  If  a  queen  should 
be  reared,  she  should  be  removed  before  depositing  any 
eggs.  These  bees  being  so  nearly  of  an  age,  may  be 
watched  as  they  waste  away,  and  there  being  no  queen  to 
rear  more,  it  may  soon  be  decided  which  disappear  most 
rapidly.  Our  experience  prove  the  Italians  to  be  much 
longer  lived. 

Color  not  an  Absohife  Test  of  Purity. — As  a  rule,  all 
other  things  being  equal,  the  brightest  colored  queens 
and  drones  are  to  be  preferred.  Nevertheless,  I  have  had 
some  very  line  Italian  (jueens  that  were  quite  dark-colored, 
and  I  am  confident  that  the  very  best  workers  I  ever  saw, 
were  pure  Italian,  and  yet  of  a  brownish  color,  with  no 
very  distinct  bands.     I  have  also  had  those  that  were 

•  I  Imvo  foniui  it  very  (lesiinl)le  to  take  heavy  combs  from  the  Italians  at 
•ncii  limes,  ami  give  thom  to  tlic  natives. 


ITALIAN    BEES.  47 

particularly  bright  and  yellow,  witli  three  distinct  bands, 
which  seems  to  be  considered  by  many  the  best  test  of 
purity,  that  in  other  respects  showed  signs  of  impurity. 

Finally,  after  candid  comparison  of  the  two  varieties, 
I  must  say  that  ^\"e  have  obtained  the  most  satisfactory 
results  by  keeping  both.  And  this  seems  to  me  suflBcient 
proof  that  neither  race  monopolizes  all  the  best  qualities. 
It  is  unquestionable  that  their  relative  value  will  vary  in 
different  localities.  My  advice  to  all  who  have  not  already 
done  so,  is  to  test  both  sorts  for  themselves. 

How  to  Procure  ItaUans. — There  are  many  reliable 
persons  engaged  in  rearing  Italians,  from  whom  good 
stock  may  be  secured.  Full  swarms  may  be  purchased, 
or  a  single  queen  may  be  introduced  to  a  colony  of  native 
bees.  In  twenty-one  days  after  her  introduction,  if  fer- 
tile, her  progeny  will  begin  to  appear,  and  if  the  change 
is  made  in  spring,  the  native  bees  will  usually  all  disap- 
pear during  the  summer.  The  details  of  the  process  ap- 
pear in  the  chapter  on  Queens. 

A  queen  may  be  purchased  for  82.00,  that,  in  1860, 
would  have  cost  S20.00  (the  price  Mr.  Quiuby  paid  for 
his  first  queen),  and  if  the  investment  paid  then,  as 
surely  was  the  case,  it  certainly  must  do  so  now. 

To  those  who  assert  tliat  they  can  not  perceive  any 
superior  qualities  in  the  natives,  and  that  they  do  not  want 
even  one  swarm,  I  say,  test  both  kinds  side  by  side,  and 
compare  them  carefully. 

But  do  not  buy  Italians  as  some  do,  with  the  expecta- 
tion that  they  will  of  themselves  insure  success,  without 
intelligent  care.  They  are  but  valuable  assistants.  Any- 
thing which  stimulates  active  investigation  in  bee-keep- 
ers, brings  experience,  upon  which  success  must  be  based. 

Cyprians,  Syrians,  Carniolans,  Etc. — Through  the 
efforts  of  Messrs.  D.  A.  Jones,  Frank  Benton,  and  others, 
who  have  spent  much  time  and  money  in  this  direction, 
several  Aarieties  of  bees,  ncAv  to  this  country,  have  been 
introduced,  and  their  value  to  some  extent  tested. 


48  SOURCES   OF    HONEY. 

The  Cy2)rians  liave  some  marked  characteristies.  They 
have  been  quite  thoroughly  tested,  but  do  not  grow  in 
favor  with  the  majority.  Tliey  are  far  too  irritable  to  be 
agreeable  to  handle.  Some  consider  them  suj^erior  honey- 
gatherers.  I  have  given  them  quite  a  thorough  trial,  and 
the  only  point  I  could  find  in  their  favor,  was  a  tendency 
to  breed  late  in  the  fall,  which  is  desirable  as  affording  a 
good  force  of  young  bees  when  going  into  winter  quarters. 
I  have  not  tested  the  Syrians.  Mr.  Benton  jjronounces 
them  among  the  very  best.  The  Carniolans  are  said  to 
possess  some  yery  desirable  qualities,  and  a  cross  between 
them  and  the  Italians  has  a  good  reputation.  Much  has 
been  said  of  the  Holy  Land  OTPalesfiiiehees,  but  my  own 
experience  does  not  corroborate  all  that  is  claimed  forthem. 

Mr.  Julius  Hoffman  received  an  importation  of  Cau- 
casian bees  in  1880.  He  has  experimented  quite  exten- 
sively with  them,  and  is  of  the  opinion  that  they  are 
superior  in  many  respects.  In  fact,  I  have  never  heard 
more  desirable  points  claimed  for  any  one  variety  than 
Mr.  Hoffman  claims  for  these.  He  is  one  of  our  most 
practical  bee-keepers,  and  his  conclusions  should  be 
received  with  confidence.  Much  credit  is  due  those  Avho 
have  been  so  persevering  in  securing  to  us  these  new 
varieties.  The  ultimate  results  must  be  of  great  good, 
as  the  future  crossing  of  these  different  strains  will  no 
doubt  give  us  one  with  a  combination  of  superior  traits. 


CHAPTER    III 
SOURCES  OF  HONEY. 


In  speaking  of  the  sources  from  Avhich  most  of  our 
honey  is  obtained,  I  am  naturally  limited,  in  a  great  de- 
gree, to  the  consideration  of  the  honey-producing  plants 
of  our  northern  latitude.     Even  within  a  limited  area. 


SOUECES  OF   HOXEY.  49 

the  chief  yield  will  be  found  to  be  derived  from  entirely 
dissimilar  sources,  and  I  shall  therefore  speak  in  general 
terms,  of  those  which  have  come  more  especially  within 
the  range  of  my  own  experience. 

SOURCES  OF   POLLEN". 

Assuming  that  bee^  are  not  to  be  taken  out  of  their 
winter  quarters  until  about  the  time  that  the  Soft  or 
Red  Maple  blossoms  (for  reasons  which  will  appear  here- 
after), I  shall  devote  but  little  space  to  the  pollen-produc- 
ing plants,  which  appear  before  that  date.  Among  these 
early  bloomers  are  Skunk  Cabbage  [SynqAocarpus  fceti- 
dus),  the  Alders,  (species  of  Alnus),  and  several  species 
of  Willow.  The  value  of  the  pollen  from  these  earlier 
blossoms  is  much  diminished  now  that  we  feed  rye- 
meal  as  a  substitute  for  pollen.  The  feeding  of  rye- 
meal  has  in  its  favor  the  fact  that  bees  can  work  upon  it 
with  facility  in  a  sheltered  situation,  when  raw  and  for- 
bidding weather  would  prevent  their  flying  any  great  dis- 
tance in  search  of  pollen. 

The  appearance  of  Soft-Maple  blossoms  {Acer  ru- 
hrum),  indicates  that  the  season  is  sufficiently  advanced 
to  permit  the  bees  to  fly  with  safety.  Of  course,  the  date 
will  vary  in  different  seasons  and  in  widely  separated  sec- 
tions of  country. 

TVhen  the  weather  is  fine,  the  yield  of  pollen  from  this 
Maple  is  usually  bountiful,  but  as  is  often  the  case  with 
early  blossoms,  these  are  sometimes  injured  by  the  frost. 

EARLY   HOXEY    PLAXTS. 

Golden  Willow  {Salix  alba,  var.  vitellina),  soon  fol- 
lows the  Maple,  and  in  favorable  weather  will  afford  an 
abundance  of  honey  of  a  superior  quality. 

Gooseberry,  Currant,  Cherry,  Pear,  and  Peach  blossoms 
each  contribute  a  share  of  both  honey  and  pollen.  Sugar 
3 


50 


SOURCES   OF   HONEY. 


Maple  {Ace?'  saccharinum),  throws  out  its  thousands  of 
betiutiful  chisters  with  a  bounteous  yield  of  tempting 
nectar.  The  Dandelion  [Taraxacum  Dens-leonis),  often 
proves  valuable  in  affording  both  j)ollen  and  honey.* 

About  the  20th  of  May,  in  this  latitude,  Apple-blos- 
soms will  appear.  As  these  are  more  abundant  than 
other  flowers  named,  and  the  season  having  progressed 
considerably,  a  greater  gain  may  be  now  expected  than  at 


WHITE   CLOVER. 


any  previous  time.  After  Apple-blossoms  have  fallen, 
tliere  is  usually  an  interval  of  nearly  two  weeks  before 
the  appearance  of  AVhite  Clover  (TrifoUiim  repens).  In 
sections  where  Wild  Cherry  {Prunns  serotiiia  and  P.  Vir- 
giniana),  and  Locust  {Rohiuia  Pxeudacacia),  abound, 
this  deficiency  will  be  partially  supplied.  Red  Raspberry 
and  White  Clover  are  found  in  such  abundance  in  many 
localities,  and  furnish  honey  so  profusely,  that  the  general 


*  1  have  known  sufficient  honoy  to  be  gathered  from  this  plant,  to  be  stored  in 
tho  combs,  quite  extensively,  and  sealed  over.  This  comes  at  a  time  when  it  la 
a  special  aid  to  hrood-rearing. 


SOURCES   OF    HOXET. 


61 


yield  will  commence  with  their  appearance.  The  quality 
of  honey  from  both  of  these  sources  is  considered  to  he 
very  superior.  Where  the  Easpberry  grows  abundantly, 
bees  will  be  found  to  frequent  it  more  constantly  than 
they  do  Clover. 

Honey  is  secreted  in  the  blossoms  at  all  hours,  and 
the  bees  may  be  seen  working  upon  them  very  early  in  the 
morning,  and  to  continue 
the  entire  day,  very  often 
not  being  interrupted  by 
quite  brisk  showers.  White 
Clover  (fig.  8)  remains 
longer  in  bloom,  and  re- 
ceives more  attention  after 
Easpberries  disappear. 

Much  interest  has  been 
manifested  of  late  in  re- 
gard to  Alsike  Clover  {Tri- 
folium  hyhridum,  fig.  9). 
I  have  furnished  the  seed 
to  several  farmers,  that  its 
value  might  be  tested,  both 
as  a  farm  crop  and  as  a 
source  of  honey.  The  hay 
made  from  it  is  fine  in 
quality,  being  a  medium 
between  the  coarse  Eed 
Clover  and  the  short  White 
Clover.  As  a  honey  yield- 
ing plant,  it  is,  m  my  opin- 
ion, superior  to  the  White  Clover.  But  experiments  indi- 
cate that  in  dry,  sandy  soils  it  is  not  permanent,  and  Avill 
not  survive  the  second  winter.  It  seems  to  be  much  better 
adapted  to  moist,  heavy  clay  soils,  and  there  is  good  au- 
thority for  the  statement  that  it  will  outlive  Eed  Clover 
in  such  localities. 


Fio;.    9. — ALSIKE   CLOVER. 


52 


SOURCES    OF    HONEY. 


Red  Clover  probably  secretes  as  much  honey  as  the 
White,  but  the  tube  of  the  corolla  being  longer,  common 
bees  appear  to  be  unable  to  reach  it.  I  have  seen  a  few 
at  work  upon  it,  but  it  appeared  to  be  slow  business.  The 
Italians  work  on  it  sometimes,  apparently  out  of  choice, 
and  often  to  good  advantage. 

Sorrel  {Rumex  acetosella),  the  pest  of  many  farmers, 
is  brought  under  contribution  by  the  bees,  and  fur- 
nishes pollen  in  large  quantities. 
Morning  is  the  only  part  of 
the  day  appropriated  to  its 
collection. 

Catnip  {Nepeta  Cataria), 
Motherwort  {Leonurus  Cardi- 
aca)  (fig.  10),  and  Hoarhound 
{Marruhium  vulyare),  put  forth 
their  flowers  about  the  middle 
of  June,  rich  in  sweetness,  and, 
as  Avith  the  Raspberry,  the  bees 
visit  them  at  all  hours  and  in 
nearly  all  kinds  of  weather. 
They  remain  in  bloom  from 
four  to  six  weeks ;  in  a  few 
instances,  I  have  known  Cat- 
nip to  last  twelve  Avceks,  yield- 
ing honey  during  the  whole  time.  Mr.  Quinby  says, 
"  ti  there  is  any  plant  that  I  would  cultivate  especially  for 
honey,  it  would  bo  this."*  Borage  has  been  recommended 
as  yielding  abundantly,  and  worthy  of  cultivation. 
Ox-Eye  Daisy,  known  as  AVhite-Weed  in  many  locali- 
ties, {Chrysanthemum  Leucanthemum,  or  Leiicanthemim 
vulgare  of  some  botanical  works),  a  showy  flower  in  pas- 
ture and  meadow,  and  worth  but  little  in  either,  also 
contains   some   honey.      The   flower  is  compound,  and 


Fig.  10. — MOTHERWORT. 


*  My  individual  expcrioncc  with  these  plants,  inclines  me  to  give  the  preter- 
ence  to  Motherwort. 


SOURCES   OF   HONEY. 


53 


each  little  floret  secretes  so  minute  a  quantity,  that  the 
task  of  obtaining  it  is  a  slow  one.  It  is  only  visited 
when  more  copiously  yielding  flowers  are  scarce.  Bush 
Honeysuckle  {Diervilla  trifida),  is  a  particular  favorite. 


SINGULAR   FATALITY   ATTENDANT   ON    SILK-WEED. 

Milk-weed  or  Silk-weed  [Asdcpias  Corruti),  fig.  11,  is 
another  honey-yielding  perennial,  but  a  singular  fatality 


Fig.   11. — MILK-WEED. 

befalls  many  bees  while  gathering  honey  from  it.  Mr. 
Quinby  observed  during  the  period  this  plant  was  in 
bloom,  that  a  number  of  the  bees  belonging  to  hives 
not  full,  were  unable  to  ascend  the  sides  to  the  comb ; 
there  would  be  sometimes  thirty  or  more  at  the  bot- 
tom in  the  morning.  On  searching  for  the  cause, 
he  found  from  one  to  ten,  thin,  yellow  scales,  of  a 
long  pear-shape,  and  about  the  twentieth  part  of  an 
inch  long,  attached  to  their  feet.  At  the  small  end, 
was  a  black,  thread-like   substance,   from  a  sixteenth 


54  SOURCES   OF  HONEY. 

to  an  eiglith  of  an  inch  in  length ;  on  this  stem  was 
a  ghitinous  matter,  that  firmly  adhered  to  each  foot 
or  claw  of  the  bee,  preventing  it  from  climbing  the  sides 
of  the  hive.  He  also  found  this  appendage  attached  to  bees 
clustered  outside  of  full  hives,  but  it  appeared  to  be  no 
inconvenience  to  them.  Among  the  scales  of  wax,  and 
waste  matter  that  accumulate  about  the  swarms  to  some 
extent,  he  found  a  great  many  of  these  scales,  which  the 
bees  had  worked  from  their  feet.  The  cjuestion  then 
arose,  were  these  scales  a  foreign  substance,  accidently  en- 
tangled in  their  claws,  or  was  it  a  natural  formation  ?  It 
was  soon  decided.  From  the  number  of  bees  carrying  it, 
he  concluded  that  if  it  were  the  product  of  any  flower, 
it  belonged  to  a  species  somewhat  abundant.  On  making 
a  close  examination  of  all  such  as  were  in  bloom,  he  found 
the  flowers  of  the  Milk-weed  or  Silk-weed,  sometimes 
holding  a  dead  bee  by  the  foot,  secured  by  this  appendage. 
The  flower  has  a  most  singular  structure,  which  could 
only  be  explained  by  means  of  elaborate  magnified  en- 
gravings ;  suffice  it  to  say  that  the  appendage  which 
causes  so  much  trouble  to  the  bees,  is  the  pollen  of 
the  Silk-weed,  Avhich  in  all  the  species  has  a  singular 
form.  Instead  of  being,  as  is  the  case  in  most  flowers,  a 
fine  dust,  the  pollen  grains  are  stuck  together  in  little 
Avaxy  masses  or  scales,  and  these  are  joined  iu  pairs  by  the 
thread-like  appendage  above  noticed.  Tliese  masses  are, 
in  the  flower,  each  lodged  in  a  little  pouch  with  only  the 
attachment  exposed,  and  in  such  a  position  that  the  bee, 
in  moving  about  over  the  flower,  can  hardly  fail  to  touch 
one  of  them  with  its  foot  and  pull  it  out.  Were  it  not 
for  the  agency  of  bees  and  other  insects,  the  pollen  would 
not  be  dislodged  from  these  pouches  and  brought  in  con- 
tact with  the  pistil  of  the  flower.  Other  species  of 
Asclepias  besides  the  one  mentioned  have  a  similar  gtruc- 
ture,  and  no  doubt  aid  in  the  mischief.  When  I  point 
out  a  loss  among  bees,  I  would  like  to  give  a  remedy. 


SOURCES   OF  HONEY. 


55 


but  here  I  am  unable  to  do  so.  I  am  not  sure  but  honey 
enough  is  obtained  by  such  bees  as  escape,  to  counter- 
balance the  loss. 

Whitewood,  or  Tulip-tree,  {Liriodendron  Tulipifera), 
yields   something  eagerly  sought   for   by  the  bees,  but 


Fig.    12. — BASSWOOD,    OK  LINDEN. 

whether  honey  or  pollen,  or  both,  I  have  never  ascertained, 
as  it  is  very  scarce  in  Montgomery,  Greene,  and  Herkimer 
Counties.  Mr.  Langstroth  speaks  of  it  as  "  one  of  the 
greatest  honey-producing  trees  in  the  world.  As  its  blos- 
soms expand  in  succession,  new  swarms  will  sometimes 
fill  their  hives  from  this  source  alone." 

Basswood  {Tilia  Americana,  fig.  12).  This  tree  is 
common  in  the  forests  of  many  of  our  States,  and  no 
doubt  stands  at  the  head  of  the  list  of  honey  producers. 
As  a  shade  tree,  Basswood,  or,  as  sometimes  called,  Lin- 


56  SOURCES   OF  HONEY. 

den,  ranks  with  the  iSnest.  It  is  hardy  and  bears  trans- 
planting better  than  many  other  forest  trees.  This 
stately  tree,  with  its  graceful  clusters  of  fragrant  flowers, 
adorns  village  or  country  grounds,  while  the  soft  music 
of  the  industrious  bee,  among  the  branches,  is  attractive 
to  the  dullest  ear.  The  honey  resources  of  the  country 
might  be  greatly  increased  by  planting  such  trees. 

Basswood  honey  is,  without  doubt,  of  the  most  superior 
quality  and  flavor.  The  blossoms  are  very  numerous, 
and  though  there  are  occasionally  seasons  when  they  yield 
but  little,  the  tree  is  generally  a  very  reliable  source  of 
honey.  The  yield  of  honey  usually  continues  for  about 
ten  days.  In  localities  where  tiie  altitude  varies  from 
warm  valleys  to  high  hills  or  mountain  ranges,  tlie  yield 
will  often  be  extended  to  two  or  three  weeks. 

The  largest  yield  of  honey  I  have  ever  known  in  a 
given  time,  was  from  Basswood.  I  have  seen  twenty-five 
pounds  gathered  in  one  day  by  a  single  swarm,  and 
larger  collections  are  reported  by  other  parties.  Of 
course,  such  amounts  must  be  secured  by  the  non-swarm- 
ing plan  under  the  most  favorable  conditions.  In  1874  I 
commenced  with  100  swarms  and  did  not  take  any  sur- 
plus honey  until  Basswood  blossomed,  July  20th.  Dur- 
ing the  next  forty  days  I  secured  10,000  lbs.  of  surplus, 
and  increased  the  colonies  to  119,  giving  me  an  average 
of  100  lbs.  each,  from  my  old  stocks.  I  mention  these 
figures  to  illustrate  the  value  of  this  tree  for  bee-forage. 
I  should  here  explain  that  I  took  advantage  of  the  differ- 
ence in  altitude,  and  moved  a  number  of  colonies  six 
miles  to  higher  ground,  where  the  trees  did  not  come  into 
flower  for  two  weeks  after  they  failed  in  the  valley. 

I  have  never  observed  such  a  profuse  peld  of  honey 
from  Basswood,  as  in  that  season.  The  flowers  seemed 
to  be  dripping  with  liquid  sweetness,  and  one  had  hut  to 
press  them  between  the  fingers  to  obtain  a  drop  of  genuine 
nectar. 


SOUKCES   0?   HONEY. 


57 


One  could  easily  be  pardoned,  in  even  so  matter-of-fact 
a  treatise  as  this,  for  pausing  a  moment  to  contemplate 
thoughtfully  these  wonders  with  which  our  pursuit  so 
often  brings  us  in  contact,  that  we  fail  to  appreciate  their 
marvellousness.  Thousands  upon  thousands  of  pounds  of 
sweetness  are  produced  by  millions  of  tender  blossoms, 
and  put  into  our  hands,  as  it  were,  by  a  tiny  insect,  whose 
life  is  at  the  mercy  of  every  passing  storm. 

Teasel. — In  those  sections  where  the  Fuller's  Teasel  {Dip- 
sacus  Fullonum,  fig.  13  j,  is  cultivated,  the  yield  of  honey  is 


Fig.  13. — fuller's  teasel. 


Fig.    14. — WILD   TEASEL. 


large  and  of  fine  quality.  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  G.  M.  Doo- 
little,  of  Borodino,  N".  Y. ,  and  Mr.  X.  X.  Betsinger,  of  Mar- 
cellus,  X.  Y.,  for  facts  in  regard  to  the  value  of  Teasel  a? 
a  source  of  honey.  It  is  cultivated  largely  in  their  vicinity, 
and  their  bees  profit  by  it  to  a  considerable  extent. 

Since  becoming  familiar  with  its  reputation,  I  have 
watched  the  bloom  of  the  Wild  Teasel,  {Dipsacus  sylvcs- 
tris,  fig.  1-4),  but  as  I  never  could  find  the  bees  upon  it,  and 
not  being  informed  as  to  the  different  species,  I  could  not 
understandwhy  so  much  value  should  be  placed  upon  it 
as  a  honey-yielding  blossom.  Mr.  Doolittle  informs  me 
that  the  "Wild  Teasel,  which  has  a  purple  blossom,  is 
seldom,  if  ever,  visited  by  the  bees,  but  the  cultivated 


58 


SOURCES    OF   HONEY. 


Teasel,  with  a  Avliite  blossom,  is  that  from  "which  such 
bounteous  yields  are  obtained.  I  quote  from  an  article 
by  Mr.  D.,  in  "  Gleanings,"  January,  1878  :  "  The  plant 
is  biennial  as  a  rule,  although  a  part  of  the  plants  (the 
smaller  ones),  may  not  produce  heads  until  the  third 
year.  *****  Ti^e  'kings,'  as  they  are  com- 
monly called,  are  heads  at  the  top  of  the  stalks,  and  com- 
mence to  blossom  about 
July  10th,  continuing 
in  bloom  about  a  week 
or  ten  days,  opening  first 
in  the  center  of  the 
head,  blossoming  toward 
the  tip  and  base,  and 
ending  off  at  the  base. 
As  soon  as  the  blossoms 
fall  off,  the  head?  are 
cut,  and  cured  for  the 
purpose  of  raising  the 
nap  on  cloth.  The  '  mid- 
dlings,' as  they  are 
termed,  commence  to 
b  J  o  s  s  o  m  when  the 
*  kings  '  are  about  half 
through,  and  the  "but- 
tons' come  last,  making 
from  30  to  25  days  of  bloom  from  the  commencing  of  the 
*  kings '  to  the  end  of  the  *  buttons.'  Bees  work  on  them 
at  all  hours  of  the  day,  and  no  matter  how  well  Bass- 
wood  may  yield  honey,  you  will  find  them  at  work  on  the 
Teasel  at  all  times.  I  have  never  known  the  Teasel  to 
fail  to  secrete  honey  except  in  1876.  The  honey  is  very 
thin,  and  much  evaporation  is  required  to  bring  it  to  the 
consistency  of  Basswood  honey  when  first  gathered." 

Sumach  (Rhus  glabra,  fig.  15),  is  rich  in  its  quality 
and  yield  of  lioney.     The  shrubs  coming  into  bloom  in 


Fig.   15.— SMOOTH   SUMACn. 


SOUKCES    OF   HOXET.  59 

succession,  the  supply  is  protracted  beyond  the  duration 
of  one  set  of  flowers.  Mustard  {Sinapis  nigra),  is  also  a 
great  favorite.  Its  cultivation  is  remunerative  for  its 
seed  alone,  and  when  we  add  its  value  to  the  bees,  there 
seems  to  be  a  sufficient  inducement  to  raise  it. 

I  have  now  mentioned  most  of  the  honey-producing 
plants  which  bloom  before  the  middle  of  July.  In  sec- 
tions where  Buckwheat  is  not  raised,  these  furnish  the 
principal  supply. 

Other  flowers  continue  to  bloom  until  cold  weather. 
Where  White  Clover  is  abundant,  and  the  fields  are  used 
for  pasture,  it  will  continue  to  throw  cut  fresh  flowers, 
sometimes,  throughout  the  entire  summer,  yet  the  bees 
consume  about  all  they  collect,  in  rearing  their  brood, 
etc.  Thus,  it  appears,  that  in  some  sections,  tne  bees 
have  only  about  six  or  eight  weeks  in  which  to  provide 
for  winter. 

LATER   HOXEY    PLAXT3. 

I  will  now  notice  the  flowers  that  appear  after  the  mid- 
dle of  July.  The  Button-bush  [Cephalanthus  occiden- 
talis)  is  much  frequented  for  honey  ;  also  the  Melons, 
Cucumbers,  Squashes,  and  Pumpkins.  The  latter  are 
visited  only  in  the  morning,  and  honey  is  the  only  thing 
obtained.  Xotwithstandiug  the  bee  is  covered  with  pol- 
len, it  is  not  kneaded  into  pellets  on  its  legs.  It  has 
been  stated  that  bees  get  pollen  early  in  the  morning, 
instead  of  honey.  It  is  not  best  to  always  take* our  word 
about  such  matters,  but  examine  for  yourselves.  Take  a 
look  some  warm  morning,  when  the  Pumpkins  are  in 
bloom,  and  see  whether  it  is  honey  or  pollen  of  which 
thev  are  in  quest. 

Many  people  seem  to  think  that  the  vicinity  of  large 
flower  gardens  is  of  great  advantage  to  their  bees,  but 
these  are  usually  of  very  little  value.  Mignonette  seems 
to  possess  some    importance  when    largely  cultivated. 


60  SOURCES   OF  HOKEY. 

The  Melilot  or  Sweet-scented  Clover,  both  yellow  and 
white,  deserves  a  place  in  our  list.  It  is  found  in  bloom  by 
midsummer,  and  remains  until  our  latest  flowers.  AVhere 
it  grows  in  profusion,  as  along  many  of  our  small  streams, 
the  supply  it  furnishes  is  by  no  means  inconsiderable. 
In  color  the  honey  is  rather  dark,  but  the  flavor  is  much 
superior  to  that  of  Buckwheat  honey. 

BUCKVv'HEAT. 

This  honey  is  considered  by  many  to  be  of  inferior 
quality.  Its  color,  when  separated  from  the  comb,  re- 
sembles molasses  of  medium  shade.  The  taste  is  more 
pungent  than  that  of  clover  honey ;  it  is  particularly 
prized  on  that  account  by  some,  and  disliked  by  others 
for  the  same  reason. 

In  several  counties  in  this  State,  so  little  of  this 
grain  is  raised,  that  the  honey  can  not  be  found  in  the 
hive  or  boxes.  But  in  many  places  it  is  the  main  de- 
pendence, the  bees  seldom  getting  more  than  a  winter 
supply  from  the  early  flowers. 

In  some  sections  full  sets  of  boxes  are  often  filled  from 
Buckwheat  after  a  fine  yield  of  white  honey.  This  adds 
materially  to  the  pecuniary  returns  from  apiaries  in  such 
localities.  The  date  of  sowing  Buckwheat  varies  with 
different  farmers.  I  have  passed  through  districts  where 
some  fields  were  out  of  blossom,  while  the  flowers  in  others 
were  not  yet  open,  and  still  others  at  all  intermediate 
stages.  This  protracts  the  yield  from  this  source  for 
several  weeks.  Although  the  honey  commands  a  less 
price  in  market  than  lighter  grades,  it  is  a  source  of 
much  profit. 

In  some  regions  the  Golden  Rods,  (several  species  of 
Solidago,  fig.  IG),  afford  valuable  forage,  and  assist 
largely  in  replenishing  the  combs  for  winter  consumption. 
I  have  frequently  observed  that  bees  were  working  vigor- 


SOURCES    OF   HONEY. 


61 


ously  in  early  autumn,  when  it  was  almost  impossible  to 

determine  whence  they  weie  obtaming  their  supplies. 

This    suggests    the 

idea  that  there  are 

many  minor  sources 

not    noticeable    in 

abundance,     which 

the    keen  scent  of 

the    bees    is   quick 

to  discover. 

In  California,  the 
chief  reliance  seems 
to  be  the  "White 
Sage"  {Eurotia  lan- 
ata),  of  which  there 
are  immense  quan- 
tities. The  Cotton 
of  the  Southern 
States  is  mentioned 
as  valuable.  There 
are  many  plants  pe- 
culiar to  different 
localities,  upon 
which  more  or  less 
dependence  can  be 
placed.  And,  even 
in  those  less  favor- 
ed districts  where 
no  first-class  sources 


Fig.    16. — GOLDEN   ROD. 


are  found,  there  will  always  be  a  moderate  gain  from  the 
forage  of  field  and  forest,  which  will  justify  any  careful 
person  in  keeping  a  moderate  number  of  colonies,  as  ex- 
perience may  dictate. 

HONEY-DEW. 

Honey-dew  is  found  in  some  localities,  but  personal  ex- 


G2  SOURCES   OF   HOXEY. 

perieuce  will  not  ijermit  me  to  speak  positively  concern- 
ing it.  Yet,  during  some  of  our  large  harvests  of  honey, 
I  could  easily  have  believed  that  the  honey  was  furnished 
from  some  hidden  source,  more  abundantly  than  was  pos- 
sible from  the  blossoms  alone.  From  information  gleaned 
from  various  sources,  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  leaves 
may,  at  times,  secrete  honey,  but  it  has  never  been  my 
good  fortune  to  discover  it,  and  Mr.  Quinby  was  alike 
unfortunate,  during  two-score  years  of  close  observation. 
It  is  evidently  peculiar  to  certain  localities  only.  Prof. 
Cook  relates  an  interesting  and  convincing  case  of  it, 
which  he  observed  in  California. 

DO    BEES    IKJTJRE   GRAIN"   AND   FRUIT  ? 

Many  people  contend  that  bees  are  an  injury  to  Buck- 
wheat, by  taking  away  the  substance  that  would  be  form- 
ed  into  grain.  What  are  the  facts  ?  The  flowers  open, 
and  honey  is  secreted.  If  the  bee  does  not  gather  it,  it  is 
wasted.  Now,  what  is  the  difference  to  the  plant,  whether 
the  honey  is  lost  in  this  way,  or  is  collected  by  the  bees  ? 

If  there  is  any  difference,  the  advantage  appears  to 
be  in  favor  of  collection  by  the  bees,  for  the  reason  that 
it  thus  answers  an  important  end  in  the  economy  of  na- 
ture, consistent  with  her  provisions  in  ten  thousand  dif- 
ferent ways  in  ada])ting  means  to  ends. 

Abundant  authority  may  be  cited  to  show  that,  in- 
stead of  benig  a  hindrance  to  the  perfect  development  of 
grain  or  fruit,  bees  are  indispensable,  in  the  aid  they  give 
in  fertilization.  Those  who  have  only  the  most  super- 
ficial knowledge  of  plants,  are  aware  that  with  many, 
some  of  the  flowers  possess  only  stamens,  and  others 
only  pistils,  and  that  the  pollen  from  the  staminate  blos- 
soms is  necessary  to  ferMlize  the  pistillate.  This  is  done 
in  some  cases  by  the  wind,  which  wafts  the  pollen  from 
the  staminate  to  the  pistillate  flowers,  but  in  the  ma- 


SOURCES  OF  HOKET.  63 

jority  of  such  cases,  the  aid  of  insects  is  necessary.  In 
the  search  for  honey,  the  bees  yisit  numerous  flowers  of 
the  same  species  only,  in  one  journey  (a  fact  "which  is 
mentioned  by  Aristotle),  and  its  body  being  covered  by 
the  pollen,  it  is  next  to  impossible  for  it  not  to  leave  some 
of  it  in  the  proper  place. 

INJURY    TO    RIPE    FRUIX. 

There  is  a  prevalent  opinion  that  bees  do  much  injury 
to  ripe  fruit,  such  as  grapes,  peaches,  plums,  etc.  It  is 
often  affirmed  chat  crops  of  these  fruits,  especially  grapes, 
are  measurably  destroyed  by  the  bees  puncturing  the  skin., 
and  sucking  the  Juices. 

A  gentleman,  whose  letter  lies  before  me,  states  that  he 
does  not  secure  one-twentieth  of  his  grape  crop,  for  this 
reason. 

Mr.  Quinby,  as  well  as  myself,  gave  this  matter  much 
personal  attention,  from  the  fact  that  we  were  largely  in- 
terested in  grape  culture,  as  well  as  bees,  having  several 
hundred  vines  under  ciiltivation.  Our  experience  fully 
accorded  with  the  testimony  of  Mr,  Langstroth,  and 
other  intelligent  observers,  to  the  effect  that  a  honey-bee 
never  injures  sound  fruit.  In  reply  to  a  gentleman  who 
complained  of  the  bees,  Mr.  L.  gave  the  following,  as 
among  the  reasons  why  the  bees  could  not  inflict  any  ex- 
tensive injury  upon  his  grapes  : 

"  That  as  the  supplies  of  honey  from  the  blossoms  had 
entirely  failed  *  *  *  if  the  bees  had  been  able  to  help 
themselves  to  his  round  grapes  they  would  have  entirely 
devoured  the  fruit  of  his  vines.  *  *  *  That  the  Jaws 
of  the  bee  being  adapted  chiefly  to  the  manipulation  of 
wax,  were  too  feeble  to  enable  it  readily  to  puncture  the 
skin,  even  of  his  most  delicate  grapes.  In  reply  to  these 
arguments,  being  invited  to  go  to  his  vines  and  see  the 
depredators  in  the  very  act,  the  result  Justified  my  antici- 


64  SOURCES   OF   HONEY. 

pations.  Though  many  bees  were  seen  banqueting  on 
grapes,  not  one  was  seen  doing  any  mischief  to  sound 
fruit.  Grapes  which  were  bruised,  or  tlie  moist  stems, 
from  which  grapes  had  recently  been  plucked,  were  cov- 
ered with  bees,  while  other  bees  were  observed  to  alight 
upon  bunches,  which  when  found,  by  careful  inspection 
to  be  sound,  they  left  with  evident  disaijpointment. 

''  Wasps  and  hornets,  which  secrete  no  wax,  being  fur- 
nished with  strong  saw-like  jaws  for  cutting  the  woody 
fibre  with  which  they  build  their  combs,  can  easily  pene- 
trate the  skin  of  the  toughest  fruits.  While  the  bees, 
therefore,  appeared  to  be  comparatively  innocent,  multi- 
tudes of  these  depredators  were  seen  helping  themselves 
to  the  best  of  the  grapes.  *  *  *  After  the  mischief 
has  been  begun  by  other  insects,  or  wherever  a  crack  or  a 
spot  of  decay  is  seen,  the  honey-bee  hastens  to  help  it- 
self. *  *  *  In  this  way  they  undoubtedly  do  some 
mischief,  but  before  war  is  declared  against  them,  let 
every  fruit  grower  inquire,  if,  on  the  whole,  they  are  not 
more  useful  than  injurious." 

The  honey  crop  of  1869  being  a  total  failure  with  us, 
we  had  ample  opportunity  to  observe  if  the  bees  were  in- 
clined to  commit  any  unusual  depredations  upon  the  pro- 
ducts of  our  vines,  and  I  must  exonerate  them  from  any 
malicious  intent  or  deed. 

It  is  no  uncommon  occurrence  for  bees  to  frequent 
cider  mills  in  great  numbers,  attracted  by  the  juice  of 
tlie  crushed  apples.  It  does  not  always  appear  to  be  at- 
tendant upon  a  scarcity  of  honey,  for  they  often  do  not 
care  anything  about  it,  even  when  otherwise  idle.  The 
Hon.  Harris  Lewis,  a  prominent  agriculturist  of  this 
county,  who  makes  vinegar  largely,  lias  been  known  to 
stop  his  cider  mill  to  avoid  the  great  destruction  of  bees 
incident  to  the  operation  of  crushing  the  apples.  His 
sense  of  justice  and  consideration  for  the  interests  of 
others,  at  the  sacrifice  of  his  own  convenience,  is  char- 


SOURCES   OF   HONEY.  65 

acfceristic  of  a  man  who  deservedly  occupies  a  high  position 
among  the  farmers  of  our  country. 

HOW   FAR    WILL    BEES    GO    FOR   HONEY  ? 

The  precise  distance  that  bees  will  fly  in  search  of  for- 
age, I  am  unable  to  state.  Some  consider  three  miles  to 
be  the  extreme  limit,  while  others  place  it  as  high  as 
twelve  miles.  The  most  satisfactory  results  may  be  ex- 
pected, if  abundant  stores  can  be  found  within  two  miles. 
It  is  evident  that  they  will  work  more  freely  upon  blos- 
soms at  some  little  distance,  than  when  these  are  very  near 
the  apiary.  If  I  were  to  sow  anything  with  a  view  to  a 
supply  of  honey,  I  should  prefer  that  it  should  not  be  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  hives. 

Their  flights  are  evidently  modified  by  local  conditions. 
During  the  large  yield  from  Basswood  in  187-4,  already  al- 
luded to,  as  the  blossoms  failed  in  the  vall^,  the  bees 
continued  bringing  in  the  same  quality  of  honey,  fol- 
lowing the  Basswood  day  by  day,  as  it  opened  on  the  hills, 
until  the  first  week  in  August,  when  they  still  came  in 
heavily  loaded,  but  very  tired  from  a  long  flight. 

I  drove  to  the  bights,  six  miles  distant,  and  found  that 
Basswood  Avas  there  Just  coming  into  bloom.  I  immedi- 
atsly  moved  48  swarms  to  this  location,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing week,  these  48  colonies  gave  me  one  ton  of  surplus 
honey,  while  the  71  swarms  left  at  home,  did  not  secure 
one  half  that  amount,  yet  they  continued  working  upon 
the  same  ground  during  the  entire  period. 

This  is  a  fine  illustration  of  the  advantage  of  obtain-  ' 
ing  forage  within  a  reasonably  short  distance.  I  have 
never  had  direct  proof  to  the  effect,  yet  there  is  ground 
for  the  belief  that,  if  honey  could  not  be  found  nearer, 
bees  would  fly  the  distance  named,  without  being  gradu- 
ally led  along  by  newly  opening  blossoms  as  in  the  case 
mentioned. 


66  THE   APIAKY. 

BEST   SEASON   FOR   UONET. 

The  inquiry  is  often  made,  "  Which  is  best  for  bees, 
a  wot  or  dry  season  ? "  I  have  studied  this  point 
very  closely,  and  have  found  that  a  medium  between  the 
two  extremes  produces  the  most  honey.  When  farmers 
begin  to  express  fears  of  a  drouth,  then  is  the  time,  if 
in  the  season  of  flowers,  that  most  honey  is  usually  ob- 
tained, but  if  dry  weather  is  much  protracted,  the  quan- 
tity is  greatly  diminished.  Of  the  two  extremes,  a  very 
wet  season  is  much  the  worst. 

This  latter  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  much  rain  in- 
jures the  honey,  by  diluting  it,  as  well  as  preventing  the 
bees  from  gathering  as  much  ;  whereas,  when  the  weather 
is  moderately  dry,  the  bees  are  at  liberty  to  work  freely, 
and  the  honey  is  evaporated,  instead  of  diluted,  improv- 
ing the  quality,  and  rendering  it  much  more  desirable  for 
immediate  Sealing  up.  There  is  no  question  but  the  value 
of  honey  is  much  affected  by  these  circumstances,  unless 
properly  cured.  The  weight  of  extracted  honey  will  vary 
to  the  extent  of  over  1  lb.  to  the  gallon,  according  to 
the  yariation  in  the  season. 


CHAPTEE     TV. 

THE    APIARY. 

THE   PREPARATIO?r   ITEEDED. 

If  one  proposes  to  make  bee-keeping  his  life-pursuit, 
he  will  need  very  different  preliminary  instruction  from 
one  who,  as  nearly  every  farmer  may  well  do,  proposes  to 
follow  it  as  an  adjunct  to  other  occupation,  or  the  ama- 
teur, who  would  keep  a  few  hives  for  his  instruction  and 
amusement.     To  one,  especially  a  young  man,  who  feels  a 


THE    APIARY.  67 

preference  for,  and  a  personal  adaptation  to,  bee-keeping 
as  an  occupation,  tc  be  followed  to  the  exclusion  of  all 
others,  we  would  say  that  he  cannot  be  too  thoroughly 
prepared,  not  only  by  reading,  but  by  instruction  in  the 
sciences  related  to  the  pursuit,  and  by  practical  training. 
In  other  avocations  it  is  considered  necessary  to  serve 
an  apprenticeship  in  order  to  fit  one  to  pursue  them  prof- 
itably, and  in  no  calling  are  preliminary  study  and  prac- 
tice more  important  than  in  bee-keeping  as  a  profession. 
Fortunately  for  those  who  would  qualify  themselves  for 
the  pursuit,  the  State  Agricultural  College,  Lansing, 
Mich.,  offers  special  advantages.  The  department  of 
Entomology  and  the  Apiary  in  that  Institution  is  in 
charge  of  Prof.  A,  J.  Cook,  a  scientific  Entomologist 
and  thorough  Apiarian.  But  the  great  number,  who 
must  make  bee-keeping  a  secondary  matter,  are  not  in 
need  of  this  thorough  prei>aration,  and  to  these  it  is  hoped 
that  this  work  will  prove  a  sufficient  guide.  While  it 
aims  to  give  the  most  approved  apiarian  practice,  it  is  in- 
tended to  be  so  elementary  in  its  teachings  as  to  meet  the 
wants  of  the  novice,  as  well  as  those  who  have  already 
some  experience  in  bee-keeping,  and  would  learn  its  most 
profitable  methods. 

LOCATION. 

In  selecting  a  site  for  an  apiary,  there  are  many  con- 
siderations to  be  borne  in  mind,  especially  if  bee-keeping 
is  to  be  the  sole  business.  The  question  of  very  greatest 
import  is  that  of  resources.  Study  the  subject  of  the 
best  honev-yielding  plants  and  trees,  and  be  sure  that  you 
locate  Avithin  reach  of  some  tolerably  reliable  source. 
Another  point  of  much  interest  is  the  general  contour  of 
the  country.  To  illustrate.  I  reside  in  a  valley  where 
Basswood  begins  to  blossom  about  the  15th  of  July.  If 
the  surrounding  country  were  level,  this  bloom  would  last 
but  12  or  15  days,  but  being  at  the  foot  of  a  hill,  where 


68  THE  APIARY. 

in  a  distance  of  six  miles  there  is  a  rise  of  600  feet,  we 
find  that  bees  continue  working  upon  it  for  twice  that 
length  of  time. 

The  same  is  true  of  the  Apple,  the  Raspl3erry,  and,  in 
fact,  all  other  blossoms  that  abound  ;  I  find  it  profitable 
to  locate  an  apiary  about  three  miles  up  this  hill,  where 
the  bees  reach  up  and  down,  and  thus  accomplish  even 
better  results  than  when  working  from  the  valley.  In 
addition  to  this,  I  have  observed  that  the  same  class  of 
blossoms  yield  better  on  elevated  ground,  than  in  lower 
situations.  This  is  a  point  in  favor  of  choosing  a  site  in 
elevated  regions.  This  opinion  is  corroborated  by  the  ex- 
perience of  Mr.  P.  H.  Elwood,  Starkville,  N.  Y.,  and  that 
of  others. 

IMMEDIATE   SURROUNDINGS. 

A  location  near  ponds,  or  large  bodies  of  water  in- 
volves some  loss.  Strong  winds  fatigue  the  bees  when  on 
the  wing,  often  causing  them  to  alight  in  the  water, 
whence  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  rise  again  until  wafted 
ashore,  and  tlien,  unless  in  very  warm  weather,  they  are 
often  so  chilled  as  to  be  past  recovery. 

If  possible,  the  hives  should  be  sheltered  from  cold, 
heavy  winds.  If  no  natural  protection  is  afforded,  a 
close,  high  board,  fence  should  be  put  up  for  the  purpose. 
The  saving  of  bees  will  pay  the  expense.  During  the 
spring  months,  the  stocks  contain  fewer  bees  than  at  any 
other  season.  It  is  then  that  a  large  family  is  important 
to  keep  the  brood  warm.  One  bee  is  of  more  value  then 
than  a  dozen  in  midsummer.  When  the  hive  stands  in  a 
bleak  place,  the  bees  returning  with  heavy  loads  in  a  high 
wind,  are  frequently  unable  to  strike  the  hive,  they  are 
blown  to  the  ground,  become  chilled  and  die.  "When 
protected  from  winds,  the  hives  may  front  as  may  be  de- 
sired, an  east  or  south  exposure  is  generally  preferred. 

In  building  the  board  fence  mentioned,  the  nails  should 


THE   APIARY. 


69 


not  be  driven  home  firmly,  but  should  be  so  left  that  they 
may  be  easily  drawn  with  a  claw-hammer,  that  more  or 
less  of  the  boards  may  be  removed  during  the  hottest 
weather,  to  permit  a  freer  circulation  of  air. 

A  consideration  worthy  of  mention,  is,  that  the  apiary 
be  conveniently  near  the  house  or  workshop,  where  the 
bee-keeper's  eye  may  be  frequently  upon  it.  Although 
swarming  may  be  largely  controlled,  swarms  may  occa- 
sionally issue,  thus  making  some  attention  necessary,  and 


Fig.   17. — HIVES  UPON  ROOFS  AT   ILION,   N,    T. 


it  is  otherwise  important  that  such  attention  be  quickly 
given.  The  apiary  should  be  well  fenced  against  the  in- 
trusion of  farm  stock,  and  should  be  as  secluded  as  pos- 
sible from  all  farming  operations,  as  well  as  not  too  near 
the  highwa}'. 


BEE-KEEPING   IIT   CITIES   AXD   VILLAGES. 

A  limited  number  of  bees  can  no  doubt  be  kept  in  our 
large  cities,  if,  as  is  generally  the  case,  forage  can  be 
found  within  a  reasonable  distance. 

If  no  plot  of  ground  is  available,  the  hives  can  be  set 
in  an  upper  room,  or  attic,  before  an  open  window.     The 


70  THE  A  PI  A  in- . 

observatory  hive  described  iu  another  chapter,  would  Ije 
desirable  in  such  a  situation.  It  is  quite  common  to  set 
the  hives  upon  the  roof  of  a  building ;  Mr.  Muth,  of 
Cincinnati,  keeps  quite  a  number  of  colonies  upon  the 
roof  of  his  store,  with  excellent  success.  The  illustra- 
tion (fig.  17),  shows  several  colonies  arranged  upon  the 
roof  of  a  2)iazza  and  house,  in  the  village  of  Ilion,  N.  Y. 

ARRAXGEMENT   OF  TTIE    HIVES. 

Where  a  large  number  of  hives  is  to  be  kept  in  one 
yard,  it  is  desirable  to  have  them  in  as  compact  form  as 
practicable,  as  the  movements  of  the  bees  can  thus  be 
more  easily  observed,  and  the  buildings  or  rooms  occupi- 
ed in  the  necessary  operations,  will  be  more  accessible 
from  all  parts  of  the  apiary.  AY  hen  convenient,  I  prefer 
arranging  the  hives  in  the  form  of  a  square.  AVhere  there 
are  but  few  colonies,  of  course  then-  disjiosition  is  imma- 
terial. If  a  small  building  is  erected,  as  it  should  be, 
for  immediate  convenience  in  practical  operations,  it 
should  be  placed  at  the  center  of  the  apiary,  or  in  the 
most  accessible  locality. 

Fig.  18  shows  the  arrangement  of  my  own  apiary,  with 
a  tight  fence  in  the  rear,  and  this  building  m  the  center. 
The  house  should  be  about  8x10  feet,  and  made  per- 
fectly bee-tight.  In  periods  of  scarcity,  bees  are  attract- 
ed even  by  the  smallest  opening,  and  will  be  seen  vigor- 
ously at  work,  endeavoring  to  gain  admission,  it  is  pre- 
ferable to  cover  the  bottom  of  the  house  with  hydraulic 
cement,  instead  of  ordinary  flooring.  The  door  should 
close  with  a  weight  or  spring,  so  that  it  may  never  be 
left  open,  unless  intentionally.  Windows  eliouid  be 
arranged  on  opposite  sides,  to  give  ample  circulation  of 
air,  when  desired,  and  the  sash  made  movable  or  hung 
with  hinges.  Lights  of  glass  reaching  the  entire  length 
of  the  sash,  are  best,  as  m  transferring,  or  like  opera- 


THE     U'lAKY. 


71 


tions,  the  bees  may  be  more  readily  brushed  down,  thau 
wlien  small  panes  are  used. 

For  warm  weather,  close  windows  will  not  be  comforta- 
ble. Wire-cloth  screens  may  be  arranged  and  hung  with 
hinges  on  the  outside.  These  should  be  made  of  stuff  at 
least  one  inch  thick,  with  the  wire-cloth  nailed  upon  both 
sides.  "When  bees  are  being  handled  inside,  and  honey  is 
scarce,  those  on  the  outside  will  be  seen  crowding  upon 


Fiy.    IS. — VIEW   OF   THE   author's    APIAEV. 


the  wire-cloth  ;  if  but  one  thickness  of  wire-cloth  is  used, 
the  bees  inside  will  feed  those  upon  the  outside  with  the 
honey  to  which  they  have  access  within.  Great  confusion 
sometimes  arises  in  this  way.  The  thick  frame,  and 
double  wire-cloth  fully  obviates  this  difficulty.  Tight 
board  shutters  will  be  needed  to  close  the  windows  more 
thoroughly,  when  desired. 

Convenience  should  not  only  be  kept  in  view,  but  order 
and  neatness  as  well.  Nothing  adds  more  to  the  attrac- 
tiveness of  an  apiary,  than  a  symmetrical  disposition  of 
the  hives.     They  should  stand  iu  vows  in  such  a  manner 


72  THE    A  PI  A  It  Y, 

that  the  hives  of  each  alternate  row  will  face  the  spaces 
of  the  row  in  front  of  it.   (See  fig.  18). 

The  different  colored  hives  or  roofs,  should  be  inter- 
spersed, so  that  no  two  of  the  same  color  come  next  each 
other.  This  is  particularly  important  if  the  hives  ai-e 
neeessarily  placed  rather  close  together. 

DISTANCE  BETWEEN  HIVES. 

The  present  improved  s3-stem  of  management  requires 
that  hives  should  not  stiind  too  near  each  other.  There 
should  be  at  least  G  feet  between  them,  and  10  feet  would 
be  a  preferable  distance.  If  hives  are  set  this  distance 
apart,  queens  are  less  liable  to  be  lost,  when  returning  to 
the  hive  after  meeting  the  drones. 

The  advantage  of  plenty  of  room  between  the  hives, 
is  also  evident  when  handling  a  swarm  ;  its  neighbors  will 
not  be  so  likely  to  be  interrupted,  and  when  using  the 
extractor,  it  is  quite  apparent  that  ample  room  is  essential. 

HIVES    SHOULD   SET  LEVEL. 

In  adjusting  the  pieces  of  scantling  to  be  used  for 
stands  (as  described  in  Chap.  VI.),  it  is  essential  that 
they  be  perfectly  level,  at  least  from  side  to  side.  The 
rear  end  may  be  slightly  higher  than  the  front,  if  the 
combs  run  from  front  to  rear,  and  the  combs  in  the  boxes 
run  in  the  same  direction.*     A  quantity  of  gravel  may 


*  In  this  connection.  I  recall  an  instance  of  thp  occupation  of  combs  in  an 
unnatural  position,  whicli  occurred  as  follows  :  I  visited  an  apiary  several  miles 
from  home,  for  the  purpose  of  feeding,  and  took  with  me  a  number  of  combs 
containing  honey.  It  being  too  cold  to  open  the  hives,  I  simply  removed  the 
packing  at  the  top.  and  laid  the  combs  flat  upon  the  top  of  the  brood  nests, 
placing  panels  over  them,  and  replacing  the  packing.  Upon  visiting  the  apiary 
two  weeks  later,  after  the  bees  had  begun  gathering  honey  from  apple  blossoms, 
I  found  that  several  of  these  combs  had  been  occupied  by  the  queen,  there  being 
sealed  brood  upon  both  the  upper  and  under  sides  ;  honey  was  also  stored  on 
both  sides.  The  warm  position  that  this  comb  occupied,  was  doubtless  the 
cause  of  the  occurrence. 


THE   APIARY.  i3 

be  spread  where  the  hive  is  to  stand,  and  an  accurate 
level  obtained  by  means  of  a  spirit-level. 

Instead  of  gravel,  sawdust  has  frequently  been  recom- 
mended, and  used  with  satisfaction  by  some.  Others  ob- 
ject to  it  from  its  liability  to  take  fire.  Where  the  bel- 
lows-smoker is  used,  there  is  not  much  force  in  this  objec- 
tion. If  clean  gravel  can  be  secured,  the  whole  yard  may 
be  covered  to  advantage,  leaving  it  highest  where  the 
hives  are  to  stand.  If  the  gravel  is  thick  enough,  and  of 
the  right  kind,  it  will  pack  and  prevent  grass  from  grow- 
ing. If  the  ground  is  kept  in  grass,  that  should  be  kept 
cut  short. 

DISADVAXTAGE    OF   HIGH   STANDS. 

When  bees  come  in  heavily  loaded,  towards  evening, 
or  on  a  chilly  day,  or  are  driven  in  by  a  sudden  shower, 
even  if  there  is  no  wind,  they  are  very  apt  to  miss  the 
hive,  and  be  unable  to  gain  the  entrance,  if  it  is  placed  at 
a  distance  from  the  ground.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the 
hive  is  near  the  earth,  and  an  alighting  board  is  arranged 
to  reach  from  the  ground  to  the  entrance,  they  can  always 
creep,  long  after  they  are  unable  to  fly,  and  can  thus  usu- 
ally regain  the  hive,  when  they  can  not  use  their  wings. 
If  such  facilities  are  afforded,  a  large  number  of  bees  may 
be  saved. 

Belonging  to  different  hives,  the  loss  is  often  imper- 
ceptible, yet  the  aggregate  sa^  ing  from  a  large  apiary 
would  be  of  much  importance.  If  any  evidence  is  need- 
ed of  the  truth  of  this  assertion,  an  examination  of  the 
ground  about  the  hives,  at  night,  particularly  when  a 
little  chilly,  will  reveal  a  much  greater  loss  than  is  gen- 
erally imagined. 

MARKIXG   THE  LOCATION. 

When  bees  are  first  set  out  in  spring,  or  when  moved 
to  a  new  home,  they  invariably  mark  their  location.     As 
4 


74  THE  /PIAIir. 

they  leave  the  hive,  they  pause  a  moment,  then  rise  on 
the  wing,  and  face  it,  describing  a  small  circle  at  first, 
but  increasing  as  they  recede,  until  an  area  of  several 
yards  has  been  viewed  and  marked.  After  a  few  excur- 
sions, when  surrounding  objects  have  become  familiar, 
this  precaution  is  not  taken,  but  they  leave  in  a  direct 
line  for  their  destination,  returning  by  their  way-marks 
without  difficulty. 

MOVING    BEES   SHORT    DISTA.XCES. 

Very  excellent  authorities  have  claimed  that  bees  could 
not  be  moved  less  than  a  mile  and  a  half  or  two  miles, 
without  injury,  as  they  would  return  to  their  former  local- 
ities.    Mr.  Qninby  says  : 

**  There  are  a  great  many  people  who  suppose  the  bee 
knows  its  hive  by  a  kind  of  instinct,  or  is  attracted  to- 
wards it,  like  the  steel  to  the  magnet.  At  least  they  act 
as  if  they  thought  so,  as  they  often  move  their  bees  a 
few  feet  or  rods,  after  the  location  is  thus  marked,  and 
what  is  the  consequence  ? — The  stocks  are  materially  in- 
jured, and  sometimes  entirely  ruined  by  loss  of  bees.  Let 
us  notice  the  cause.  As  I  have  stated,  the  bees  have 
marked  the  location.  They  leave  the  hive  without  any 
precaution,  as  surrounding  objects  are  familiar.  They 
return  to  their  old  stand  and  find  no  home.  If  there  is 
more  than  one  stock,  and  their  own  has  been  removed 
from  four  to  twenty  feet,  some  of  the  bees  may  find  a 
hive,  but  are  just  as  liable  to  enter  the  wrong  one  as  the 
right.  Probably  they  would  not  go  over  twenty  feet,  and 
very  likely  not  that,  unless  the  new  situation  was  very 
conspicuous.  If  a  person  had  but  one  stock,  the  loss 
would  probably  be  less,  as  every  bee  finding  a  hive,  would 
bo  sure  to  be  right,  and  none  would  be  killed,  as  is  gener- 
ally the  case,  when  a  few  enter  a  strange  hive.  Some- 
times a  stock  will  allow  strange  bees  to  unite  with  them, 
but  it  is  seldom,  unless  a  large  number  enters." 


THE    APIAET.  75 

These  facts  are  of  value  to  the  beginner,  and  should  be 
carefully  observed,  until  experience  dictates  what  moditi- 
cations  are  allowable.  Modern  experiments  prove  that 
by  observing  the  necessary  conditions,  bees  may  be  moved 
short  distances  without  detriment. 

I  have,  in  the  evening,  prepared  hives  for  removal,  and 
taken  them,  before  light  the  next  morning,  three  miles 
away,  and  was  positive  that  not  a  bee  had  escaped  from 
the  hives.  Before  noon,  quite  a  number  of  bees  could  be 
seen  flying  around  the  stands  from  which  the  hives  had 
been  removed.  I  naturally  inferred,  that  these  bees  had 
found  their  way  back  from  the  new  location.  I  am  now 
fully  convinced  that  I  was  in  error.  These,  I  think, 
were  bees  that  had  left  the  hive,  so  late  the  night  pre- 
vious, that  they  were  overtaken  by  darkness,  and  were 
unable  to  reach  their  home.  After  becoming  sufficiently 
warm  the  next  morning,  they  had  returned  to  lind  them- 
selves homeless. 

C.  C.  Van  Deusen,  of  Sprout  Brook,  X.  Y.,  purchased 
several  swarms  of  a  neighbor  about  half  a  mile  distant, 
and  moved  them  to  his  own  yard,  after  their  lines  were 
thoroughly  established  at  home.  Fpon  releasing  them, 
he  smoked  them  thoroughly,  so  that  all  filled  themselves 
completely  with  honey,  and  the  result  was,  that  the  new 
location  was  marked,  and  no  bees  returned  to  the  former 
stands. 

In  1869  we  purcha-ed  twenty  swarms  of  bees  in  box 
hives  and  moved  them  two  miles.  We  afterwards  desired 
to  move  them  half  a  mile,  and  did  so,  but  before  releasing 
them,  transferred  them  to  movable  frames.  This  opera- 
tion  so  thoroughly  confused  and  demoralized  them,  that 
this  new  location  was  marked,  and  there  was  no  resulting 
loss.  I  have  never  found  it  necessary  to  move  bees 
shorter  distances,  yet  I  see  no  reason  why,  with  the  requi- 
site care  and  skill  in  manipulation,  they  may  not  be 
moved  to  as  little  distance  as  may  be  desired,  especially, 


76  THE   APIARY. 

if  SO  thoroughly  disturbed  as  in  tbe  process  of  trans- 
ferring. If  it  becomes  necessary  to  change  the  location 
of  hives  in  the  same  yard,  it  may  he  done  by  moving  the 
hive  one  or  two  feet  at  a  time  (the  distance  depending  on 
the  contiguity  of  the  adjacent  hives),  and  allowing  it  to 
stand  a  day  or  two,  each  time^  before  moving  again.  But 
if  the  situation  of  colonit^s  is  changed  at  random,  with- 
out some  intelligent  var*...  much  loss  will  inevitably  ensue. 

SHADE. 

To  determin<^  ihe  precise  amount  of  shade  which  will 
meet  the  Jieed?  of  the  entire  season,  requires  some  dis- 
crimination. Evergreen  Trees,  Grape  Vines,  and  differ- 
ent varieties  of  fruit  trees,  have  each  their  advocates.  I 
have  tested  the  matter  very  largely,  and  while  I  appre- 
ciate the  benefit  of  shelter  from  the  sun  in  exceedingly 
sultry  weather,  especially  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  I  can- 
not recommend  any  permanent  shade  to  any  great  extent. 
It  is  very  essential,  during  the  early  part  of  the  season, 
that  each  hive  receive  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun  during 
the  entire  day.  If  hives  can  be  so  arranged  among  de- 
ciduous trees  that  they  may  be  thus  benefited  morning 
and  evening,  the  shade  at  other  hours,  during  extreme 
heat,  would  be  desirable. 

As  a  rule,  if  the  roof  recommended  be  so  adjusted  that 
the  air  can  circulate  between  it  and  the  hive,  it  will 
afford  ample  protection.  It  is  my  custom,  during  spring 
months,  to  remove  these  roofs  each  fair  day,  and  replace 
them  before  the  dew  falls  at  evening. 

Capt.  Ilctherington,  of  Clicrry  Valley,  N.  Y.,  appre- 
hending this  necessity  of  warmth,  covers  the  top  of  the 
cap  with  sheet  iron,  and  paints  it  black.  This  not  only 
protects  the  hive,  obviating  the  need  of  a  roof  until 
warmer  weather,  but  being  dark,  absorbs  the  rays  of  the 
gun,  which  assists  materially  in  warming  the  interior  of 


THE   APIAET.  77 

the  hive,  and  stimulates  early  breeding  at  a  season  when 
it  is  of  most  importance. 

It  is  unquestionable  that,  in  the  very  hottest  weather, 
the  shade  of  trees  would  be  very  grateful  and  desirable, 
but,  considering  the  average  of  cool  weather  through  the 
season,  I  conceive  it  to  be  detrimental  rather  than  other- 
wise.   In  southern  latitudes,  shade  may  be  more  essential. 

BEE   HOUSES. 

Bee  houses,  as  used  in  times  past,  have  long  been  con- 
demned as  useless  and  undesirable.  When  box  hives 
were  alone  used,  and  the  bees  were  not  manipulated  as  at 
the  present  day,  such  houses  more  nearly  met  the  simpler 
demands  of  those  times  ;  yet  even  then,  the  rays  of  the 
sun  were  nearly  excluded,  with  many  accompanying  dis- 
advantages. 

THE  HOUSE   APIAET. 

More  recently  what  is  known  as  the  House  Apiary  (fig. 
19),  has  been  devised  for  movable  comb-hives.  Mr.  Coe, 
of  New  Jersey,  has  designed  a  form  of  it,  which  he  claims 
to  possess  much  merit.  One  of  these  was  erected  at  the 
Centennial  Exhibition,  and  ^va,s  an  object  of  much  inter- 
est to  apiarian  visitors.  It  may  be  of  any  desired  size 
and  in  shape,  square,  oblong,  hexagonal,  or  octagonal,  as 
may  be  preferred.  A  house  9x15  feet  will  hold  4i  hives, 
and  one  11x34  will  contain  100  hives. 

It  is  tightly  enclosed  on  all  sides,  the  hives  being 
arranged  on  shelves  next  the  walls  inside,  the  bees  enter- 
ing through  small  openings.  It  is  true  that  bees  may  ' 
be  handled  inside  of  these  houses,  in  rainy  weather,  or 
when  they  would  be  liable  to  rob  out  of  doors.  One  of 
the  benefits  claimed  is,  that  swarming  may  be  more  easily 
controlled. 

So  far  as  I  have  investigated  the  details  of  construction, 
I  find  that  the  shelves  holding  the  hives  are  attached  to 


78 


THE    APIARY. 


the  sides  of  the  building,  thus  subjecting  the -bees  to  jars 
caused  by  the  disturbance  of  any  part  of  it,  lience  I  should 
not  anticipate  so  good  a  degree  of  success  as  if  the  hives 
were  disconnected  from  the  building,  and  each,  on  its 
own  separate  stand,  resting  firmly  on  the  ground. 

The  beneficial  effects  of  tne  heat  received  by  the 
hives  when  exposed  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun,  when 
in    the   open  air,  must  be   supplied  artificially  within. 


Fig.    19.— HOUSE  APIARY   OF  J.   H.    NELLIS,    CANAJOHARIE,   N.    T. 

For  the  information  of  those  who  desire  to  use  such  arti- 
ficial heat,  I  recall  a  similar  experiment.  In  1872,  while 
with  Mr.  Quinby,  we  demonstrated  tlie  fact  that  we 
might  raise  the  temperature  in  and  about  all  parts  of  the 
hives,  containing  strong  swarms,  yet  the  bees  would  not 
venture  to  fly,  if  on  reaching  the  entrance,  they  found  it 
to  be  cold  without. 

The  house  apiary  has  been  somewhat  extensively  tested, 
but  evidently  it  has  not  as  yet  reached  that  point  where 
it  may  be  pronounced  a  thorough  success.     I  have  not 


THE   APIARY.  'J'9 

had  sufficient  experience  to  waiTant  the  assumption  that 
it  may  not  be  very  satisfactorily  modified  and  improved, 
but  like  many  other  methods,  its  ments  and  defici- 
encies can  only  be  developed  by  time  and  experiment.  I 
favor  further  trial  and  investigation. 

WHEK    TO    PURCHASE   BEES. 

Assuming  the  location  to  be  determined,  and  all  pre- 
liminary arrangements  settled,  the  next  important  step  is, 
to  secure  the  bees  with  which  to  stock  the  apiary. 

After  an  extended  experience  in  buying  bees  at  differ- 
ent seasons  of  the  year,  I  shall  advise  beginners  to  pur- 
chase them  only  in  spring.  Those  who  feel  competent  to 
transfer  from  box-hives  to  movable  combs,  should  procure 
them  before  the  first  yield  of  honey  in  their  own  location. 
The  inexperienced  will,  however,  find  their  initiation  into 
bee-culture  less  perplexing,  if  able  to  secure  the  bees 
in  the  kind  of  movable-comb  hive  they  intend  to  use. 

A  marked  advantage  may  be  realized  by  buying  bees  in 
a  section  where  the  season  opens  earlier  than  in  that  to 
which  they  are  to  be  removed.  For  instance,  fruit  blos- 
soms are  valuable  in  stimulating  early  brood-rearing.  Buy 
your  bees  in  a  quarter  where  Apple-trees  are  going  out 
of  bloom  just  as  they  are  opening  in  your  own,  and  move 
them  as  nearly  at  this  time  as  possible.  A  little  research 
on  this  point  will  prove  advantageous  to  experienced  bee- 
keepers. A  little  more  care  must  be  exercised  in  moving 
bees  at  such  times,  as  the  combs  are  heavier  with  brood 
and  honey. 

WHERE   TO    BUY. 

This  consideration  depends  upon  the  variableness  of 
profitable  seasoais,  and  also  upon  the  fact  that  bees  will 
prosper  in  one  locality,  and  in  another  at  a  greater  or 
less  distance,   do  very  poorly  during  the  same   period. 


80  THE    APIAEY. 

Other  facts  in  this  connection  are,  that  ordinarily,  a  good 
season  will  follow  a  poor  one,  and  that  the  best  swarms 
may  generally  be  found  in  spring,  where  the  previous 
season  was  prosperous.  The  inference  is  easily  drawn, 
that  if  we  purchase  good  colonies  in  such  a  section,  and 
take  them  where  the  approaching  season  promises  well, 
two  essentials  will  be  secured — bees  in  fine  condition  and 
the  promise  of  a  good  yield. 

TRANSPORTATION"    BENEFICIAL. 

It  is  generally  supposed  that  it  is  better  to  secure  bees 
in  the  immediate  vicinity,  which  is  certainly  true  as  re- 
gards labor  and  expense  ;  but  experience  assures  me  that 
when  they  are  properly  transported  a  long  distance,  there 
are  advantages  which  offset,  jiartially  at  least,  the  extra 
trouble  and  cost.  With  us,  such  colonies  invariably  work 
better  than  stocks  of  equal  strength  of  our  own  winter- 
ing, standing  in  the  same  apiary.  I  account  for  this,  in 
part,  from  the  fact  that  being  supplied  with  water  dur- 
ing confinement  and  shipment,  the  bees  uncap  and  dilute 
their  stores  of  honey,  which  stimulates  the  queen  to  de- 
posit eggs  more  freely. 

Also,  tlie  agitation  incident  to  moving  them  some  dis- 
tance dislodges  the  moth-worms  and  the  bees  may  be  seen 
endeavoring  to  throw  tliem,  as  well  as  portions  of  the 
worm  galleries,  from  the  hiv^e.  They  are  also  evi- 
dently freed  from  the  more  minute  pests  of  the  hive  in 
the  same  manner.  Repeated  tests  convince  me  of  the 
truth  of  this  assumption.  I  think  this  view  will  yet  be 
developed  into  practice  in  the  ordinary  liandling  of  bees, 
so  that  in  the  proper  time  and  manner  they  may  be  ex- 
cited to  more  vigorous  activity. 

HOW   TO   SELECT  SWARMS. 

For  several  reasons,  I  would  advise  beginners  to  pur- 
chase swarms  at  least  two  years  old,  especially  if  to  be 


THE    APIARY.  ^1 

transferred.  This  operation  may  be  more  readily  per- 
formed, and  they  may  be  transported  with  less  liability 
of  breaking  the  combs,  and  thereby  injuring  the  bees, 
than  if  the  combs  are  more  new  and  tender.  If  euch 
colonies  have  cast  swarms  the  previous  year,  which  is 
usually  the  case,  they  will  contain  a  young  queen ;  be- 
sides, stocks  of  this  age  are  very  apt  to  be  more  popu- 
lous than  younger  ones. 

If  good  swarms  of  the  previous  season  can  be  found 
in  movable  comb  hives,  and  are  not  to  be  moved  a 
long  distance,  there  will,  of  course,  be  no  objection  to 
selecting  such.  Choose  hives  with  straight  combs  and 
such  as  have  the  most  worker  comb.  The  item  of  the 
utmost  importance  at  this  period  is,  that  they  shall  be 
very  populous  ;  this  is  almost  positive  proof  that  most 
of  the  other  desirable  conditions  are  present. 

Since  the  marked  diminution  of  foul  brood  in  this 
country,  the  precautions  to  avoid  introducing  it,  need 
not  be  so  rigidly  observed  as  was  insisted  upon  in  the 
earlier  editions  of  this  work. 

COST   OF   BEES    AXD    FIXTURES. 

The  cost  of  a  colony  of  bees  Avill  of  course  vary  in 
different  localities.  In  New  York,  the  price  of  a  good 
swarm  of  native  bees  in  a  box  hive,  has  been  about  $5.00, 
at  any  season  of  the  year.  More  recently,  good  swarms 
have  been  sold  for  $4.00  in  the  fall,  and  $5.00  in  the 
spring.  This  has  seemed  a  fair  price  when  honey  realiz- 
ed the  better  prices  that  it  did  a  few  years  ago  ;  but  with 
the  present  reduction  in  the  price  of  honey,  I  anticipate 
a  corresponding  decrease  in  the  cost  of  bees. 

Those  buying  from  dealers,  where  the  bees  are  already 
in  movable  frame  hives,  with  straight  worker  combs,  in 
proper  condition,  will  probably  pay  $8.00  each,  for  natives 
and  $10.00  for  Italians.  Empty  hives  will  cost  from  $1.00 


82  THE    APIARY. 

to  $5.00  each.  The  implements  necessary  to  properly 
manage  an  apiary,  are  an  Extractor  $10.00,  Honey-Knife, 
11.00,  Wax-Extractor, $5. 00,  Smoker,ll.50,  Bee- Veil,  50c. 
There  will,  naturally,  be  other  minor  expenses  even  in 
a  small  apiary.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  ex- 
pense of  fixtures  is  nearly  as  much  for  a  half  a  dozen 
swarms  as  for  an  extensive  apiary. 

TRANSPORTING    BEES. 

In  transporting  your  bees,  avoid,  if  possible,  the  two 
extremes  of  very  cold,  or  very  warm  weather.  In  the 
latter  the  combs  are  so  nearly  melted,  that  the  weight  of 
the  honey  will  bend  them,  bursting  the  cells,  spilling  the 
honey  and  besmearing  the  bees.  In  very  cold  weather, 
the  combs  are  brittle,  and  easily  detached  from  tlie  sides 
of  the  hive. 

Have  ready  some  carpet  tacks,  and  pieces  of  thin 
muslin  about  half  a  yard  square.  Invert  tlie  hive,  put 
the  cloth  over,  neatly  folded  and  fastened  with  a  tack  at 
the  corners,  and  another  in  the  middle  of  each  side. 
Drive  the  tack  in  about  two-thirds  of  its  length  ;  it  is 
ihen  convenient  to  pull  out  when  required. 

If  the  bees  are  to  be  taken  some  distance,  and  must 
be  confined  for  several  days,  the  muslin  will  hardly  be 
sufficient,  and  wire-cloth  must  be  substituted. 

To  prepare  the  movable  comb-hive  for  long  journeys, 
put  sticks  on  each  side  of  each  comb,  in  about  two  places, 
to  hold  it  steady  (see  directions  for  transferring),  then 
lay  on  the  top  of  the  frames,  cross-Avise,  thin  strips  to 
hold  them  in  place,  and  fasten  on  the  honey-board  with 
screws.*  Turn  the  hive  over,  and  cover  the  bottom  with 
wire-cloth.  AVitli  proper  care  they  may  be  sent  by  rail- 
road one  thousand  miles. 

♦  If  the  combs  are  old,  and  the  distance  short,  the  transferring  sticks  at  the 
Bides  of  the  comb  may  be  omitted. 


THE   APIARY.  83 

Probably  the  best  mode  of  conveyance  is  in  a  wagon 
with  elliptic  springs.  A  wagon  without  springs  is  bad,  es- 
pecially for  young  stocks  ;  yet  I  have  known  them  to  be 
moved  safely  in  this  way,  with  care  in  packing  hay  or 
straw  under  and  around  them,  and  careful  driving. 

Whatever  conveyance  is  employed,  the  hive  should  be 
Inverted.  The  combs  will  tlien  rest  on  the  top,  and  are 
less  liable  to  break  than  when  right  end  up,  because  in 
the  latter  case,  the  whole  weight  of  the  combs  must  come 
upon  the  fastenings  at  tlie  top  and  sides,  and  these  are 
easily  broken.  When  bees  are  moved,  thus  inverted,  they 
will  creep  upward  ;  in  stocks  partly  full,  they  will  often 
nearly  all  leave  the  combs,  and  get  upon  the  covering. 

For  several  years,  we  have  purchased  bees  largely, 
bringing  them  sometimes  a  distance  of  150  miles  by  rail, 
when  the  weatlier  was  quite  Avarm.  At  such  times,  we 
used  wire-cloth  to  confine  tlie  bees,  which  was  enough 
larger  than  the  bottom  of  the  hive,  to  be  rounded  up,  so 
that  the  bees  could  go  above  the  combs,  and  have  a  freer 
circulation  of  air. 

If  they  are  to  be  shut  up  any  length  of  time,  it  is  often 
beneficial  to  furnish  them  with  water,  by  sprinkling  it 
through  the  wire-cloth.  They  will  receive  it  very  greedily. 
Half  a  gill  may  be  given  each  swarm  two  or  tliree  times 
each  day.  Or  a  piece  of  sponge  may  bo  fastened  to  the 
wire-cloth,  and  kept  saturated,  allowing  the  bees  to  take 
as  much  as  they  desire.  Much  care  is  necessary  in  mov- 
ing heavy  colonies  in  warm  weather. 

In  packing  hives  into  a  wagon,  place  them  so  that  the 
combs  will  stand  cross-wise  of  the  wagon-box,  as  they 
are  less  liable  to  break  in  this  position.  In  a  railroad 
car,  they  should  stand  so  that  the  combs  will  be  length- 
wise with  the  car. 

In  preparing  colonies  for  transportation,  it  is  frequently 
necessary  to  work  at  them  during  the  day,  while  the  bees 
are  flying.     All  holes  in  the  top  of  the  hive  should  be 


84  THE    APIARY. 

closed,  and  if  there  is  a  liole  in  front,  and  the  hive  is 
standing  near  the  ground,  they  may  be  turned  bottom  up, 
and  a  board  set  slanting  from  the  ground  to  the  entrance, 
for  the  bees  to  pass  in  and  out.  The  muslin  or  wire-cloth 
may  then  be  put  on,  and  the  cap,  if  any,  placed  over  it, 
and  the  usual  roof  replaced,  until  they  stop  flying  at 
night,  when  the  hole  at  the  side  should  be  closed.  If 
-there  is  no  hole  in  front,  bore  one  for  the  purpose.  I 
often  put  up  large  numbers  during  the  day,  and  move 
them  in  the  evening  or  in  the  following  day. 

When  the  bees  are  brought  to  the  home  apiary,  they 
should  be  smoked  to  drive  them  from  the  wire-cloth,  the 
latter  removed,  and  the  hive  placed  upon  the  stand  it  is 
to  occupy. 

TAKING    BEES   ON   SHARES. 

In  managing  bees  for  other  parties,  as  well  as  in  fur- 
nishing them  to  those  who  wished  to  care  for  them,  we 
have  usually  been  governed  by  the  following  rule  :  One 
party  furnishes  all  the  bees,  and  the  other  does  all  the 
work.  All  expenses  for  new  material,  etc.,  are  shared 
equally  ;  and  the  receipts,  including  the  increase,  are 
equally  divided.  The  ownership  of  the  original  colonies 
is  unchanged. 

FINANCIAL  RESULTS. 

This  is  a  topic  upon  which  I  shall  differ  widely  from 
many  who  have  represented  the  interests  of  bee-keeping. 
I  desire  to  say  very  emphatically,  that  from  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  business,  I  mast  disapprove  of  the 
position  taken  by  some  in  their  statements  as  to  the  ex- 
traordinary returns  that  may  be  expected, 

A  com])arison  of  bee-keeping  viith  other  avocations, 
farming,  for  instance,  will,  I  think,  show  a  balance  of 
profit  in  favor  of  the  former.  Upon  an  investment  of 
$1,000  in  bees,  I  should  anticipate,  with  the  same  amount 


THE   APIARY.  85 

of  labor,  as  large  an  average  profit  as  from  $5,000  invested 
in  farming  lands,  at  $100,  or  more,  per  acre.  This 
pursuit,  therefore,  offers  evident  inducements  to  persons 
of  moderate  means. 

Just  what  annual  percentage  from  a  stated  investment 
may  be  reasonably  anticipated,  it  is  impossible  to  de- 
termine, as  the  seasons  are  far  from  being  uniform.  I 
shall  not  encourage  beginners  to  expect  an  average  of 
100"/^  upon  their  investments.  Some  have  represented 
the  prospect  as  much  more  alluring  than  this,  but  in 
many  cases  the  returns  are  likely  to  prove  much  less 
satisfactory.  The  results  attained  by  the  majority  of  our 
bee-keepers  prove  that  even  my  estimate  is  much  too 
high.  Nevertheless,  I  know  of  no  substantial  business 
that  will  pay  as  well  for  the  cajjital  invested,  as  this  of 
bee-keeping. 

OVEE-STOCKIIs^G. 

What  number  of  stocks  can  be  kept  in  one  place  ? 
is  a  question  often  asked.  I  shall  differ  more  in  opinion 
with  some  of  our  best  authors  in  this,  than  on  most  other 
points.  Mr.  Langstroth  expresses  himself,  very  confi- 
dently, that  over-stocking  has  never  happened  in  this 
country,  and  that  there  is  no  prospect  of  it.  He  gives  us, 
on  the  authority  of  Mr.  "Wagner,  the  number  of  stocks  to 
the  square  mile  in  many  sections  of  Europe.  I  will  give 
one  or  two  items.  In  the  Kingdom  of  Hanover,  141 
stocks  are  estimated  to  the  square  mile.  In  the 
Province  of  xlttica,  in  Greece,  containing  45  square  miles, 
20.000  hives  are  kept.  A  Province  in  Holland  contains 
:i,000  colonies  per  square  mile. 

This  is,  certainly,  very  good  authoiity.  for  his  convic- 
tion, but  careful  observation  and  somewhat  extended  ex- 
perience will  not  justify  me  in  accepting  Mr.  Lang- 
stroth's  conclusions. 

I  have  endeavored  to  convince  myself  that,  the  large 


86  THE    APIARY. 

number  of  bees  kept  in  and  about  my  own  neighborhood, 
accomplish  as  desirable  results  as  if  the  territory  were 
more  sparsely  occupied.  I  am  thoroughly  satisfied  that 
such  is  not  the  case. 

In  the  most  productive  seasons,  and  durmg  the  most 
ample  harvests,  the  difference  is  not  so  perceptible,  but 
under  less  favorable  circumstances,  the  evidence  has  been 
most  convincing.  We  have  here,  from  lour  to  five  hun- 
dred colonies,  working  on  the  same  ground.  Judging 
from. the  results  at  a  yard  six  miles  away,  I  estimate  that 
if  my  home  apiary  of  150  swarms  could  have  the  sole 
range  of  this  region,  I  should  realize  an  increase  of,  at 
least,  one-third  in  my  returns.  I  must  maintain  then, 
that  there  is  danger  of  over-stocking,  if  we  desire  to  ob- 
tain the  largest  possible  yield.  These  views  were  held  by 
Mr.  Quinby,  and  were  Justified  by  his  later  experience. 

I  do  not  desire  to  be  undsrstood  that  bees  may  not  be 
cultivated  successfully,  even  where  there  are  larger  num- 
bers than  here  mentioned,  for  deficiencies  in  periods  of 
scarcity  may  be  supplied  artificially,  but  I  wish  to  impress 
upon  the  novice  who  is  selecting  a  site  for  his  apiary,  the 
fact,  that  the  fewer  bees  in  the  desired  location,  the 
better  are  his  prospects.  While  reducing  to  practice 
many  points  upon  which  he  is  not  well  informed,  he  will 
meet  with  much  less  annoyance,  if  hundreds  of  swarms 
are  not  able  to  take  advantage  of  any  undue  exposure  of 
hives  or  honey,  arising  from  his  inexperienced  handling. 

It  will  always  be  impossible  to  know  exactly  how 
many  bees  can  be  profitably  kept ;  some  seasons  yield 
bounteously,  others  only  partially,  and  some,  almost  none 
at  all. 

Whoever  begins  with  excessive  numbers,  must  expect 
to  be  sometime  overtaken  with  serious  disaster.  One 
must  lay  up  a  store  of  fortitude,  in  prosperous  times,  to 
last  him  through  such  seasons  of  discouragement. 

It  13  an  advantage  to  keep  as  large  a  number  as  will 


CONTROLLING   BEES.  87 

possibly  do  well  in  one  yard.  They  may  be  taken  care  of 
with  much  less  proportional  expense.  It  would  not  do  to 
hire  a  man  to  take  charge  of  every  eight  or  ten  hives, 
although  the  average  profit  of  the  few  would  be  much 
greater  than  with  a  large  number.  One  man  can  manage 
100  stocks,  except,  perhaps,  for  a  few  days  in  the  busiest 
part  of  the  season,  and  the  reduction  in  the  expense 
would  more  than  balance  the  larger  profits  from  the 
smaller  apiaries.  I  would  not  advise  keeping  very  large 
apiaries,  until  warranted  by  experiencs  in  their  care. 
The  resources  of  a  country  should  also  be  gradually 
tested.  A  honey-producing  country  may  be  like  a  graz- 
ing region.  One  field  may  pasture  ten  times  as  many 
cattle  as  another,  and  the  same  may  be  true  of  pasturage 
for  bees. 


CHAPTER     Y. 

CONTROLLING   BEES. 
THEIR   DISPOSITION. 

Nature  has  provided  the  honey-bee  with  weapons  to 
defend  its  stores,  and  combativeness  sufficient  to  use 
them  when  necessary.  If  bees  were  powerless  to  repel  an 
enemy,  there  are  a  thousand  lazy  depredators,  man  not 
excepted,  who  would  prey  upon  the  fruits  of  their  indus- 
try, leaving  them  to  starve.  Had  it  been  thus  arranged, 
this  industrious  insect  would  probably  have  long  siace 
become  extinct.  It  behooves  us.  in  view  of  these  charac- 
teristics, to  ascertain  what  are  considered  as  insults.  First, 
all  quick  motions  about  them,  such  as  running,  striking, 
etc.,  are  noticed.  If  our  movements  among  them  are 
slow,  cautious,  and  respectful,  we  are  often  allowed  to 
pass  unmolested.  Yet  the  exhalations  from  some  per- 
sons appear  to  be  very  offensive,  as  they  attack  some  much 


88^  CONTROLLING    BEES. 

sooner  than  other8,  though  I  apprehend  there  is  not  so 
great  a  difference  as  many  suppose.*  When  an  attack  is 
made,  and  a  sting  follows,  the  venom  thus  diffused  in  the 
air  is  perceived  by  others  at  some  distance,  who  will  im- 
m2diately  approach  the  scene,  and  more  stings  are  likely 
to  be  received. 

The  breathing  of  a  person  into  the  hive,  or  among 
them  whon  clustered  outride,  is  considered  in  the  tribu- 
nals 0£  thsir  insect  wisdom,  as  the  greatest  indignity.  A 
sudden  jar,  sometimes  made  by  carelessly  moving  the  hive, 
is  another.  After  being  once  thoroughly  irritated  in  this 
way,  they  remember  it  a  long  time,  and  are  continually 
on  the  alert ;  the  moment  the  hive  is  touched,  they  are 
ready  to  salute  a  person's  face. 

In  adjusting  the  boxes  and  frames,  some  of  the  bees 
are  apt  to  be  crushed,  or  cut  in  two.  Their  surviving 
comrades  are  very  liable  to  remember  this,  and  to  retaliate 
as  occasion  offers. 

Bees  never  make  an  attack  while  in  quest  of  honey, 
or  on  their  return,  until  they  have  entered  the  hive.  It 
IS  only  in  the  hive  and  in  its  vicinity,  that  wc  may  expect 
them  to  manifest  this  irascible  disposition. 

I  must  disagree  Avith  any  one  who  says  that  we 
always  have  warning  before  being  stung.  Two-thirds  of 
them  sting  without  giving  the  least  intimation.  At  other 
times,  when  fully  determined  on  vengeance,  they  will 
strike  the  hat,  and  remain  a  moment  endeavoring  to 
effect  their  object.  In  this  case,  one  has  warning  to  hold 
down  the  face  to  protect  it  from  a  second  attempt,  which 
IS  quite  sure  to  follow.  As  they  fly  horizontally,  the 
face  held  in  that  position  is  not  so  liable  to  be  attacked. 

AVhen  they  are  not  so  thoroughly  angry,  they  often 

*  Persona  u«ing  liquor  or  tobacco,  nre  never  successful  bee-keepers,  t  have 
in  miiitl.  a  nervous  man,  who  is  an  inveterate  smoker,  wbose  bees  are  the  most 
pugnacious  and  unmana<i;o;ihlc  that  I  ever  saw  After  pr.rchasin.-i  and  icmoving 
some  of  thosH  colonics  to  my  own  apiary,  lUc  diftercucc  in  temper  was  ocrcepti 
blc  tor  a  lou";  time. 


CO^'TROLLISTG    BEES.  89 

approach  in  merely  a  threatening  attitude,  buzzing  around 
very  provokingly  for  several  minutes  in  close  proximity  to 
one's  ears  and  face,  apparently  to  ascertain  our  intentions. 
If  nothing  hostile  or  displeasing  is "  perceived,  they  will 
often  leave ;  but  should  a  quick  motion,  or  disagreeable 
breath  oflEend  them,  the  dreaded  result  is  not  long  delay- 
ed. Too  many  people  are  apt  to  construe  these  threaten- 
ing  manifestations  into  positive  intentions  to  sting.  It 
is  always  advisable  to  place  the  best  construction  on  the 
action  of  a  bee  and  act  accordingly. 

SMOKE,  A  CONTKOLLIXG  AGENT. 

The  ability  to  subdue  these  insects  by  the  use  of  smoke 
has  been  so  thoroughly  demonstrated  that  I  need  say  lit- 
tle except  as  to  the  mode  of  applying  it.  For  years  Mr. 
Quinby  used  partially  decayed  wood,  cut  in  sticks  of 
suitable  tize,  the  smoke  of  which,  when  ignited,  could  be 
directed  to  the  desired  point  by  blowing  with  the  mouth. 
Eealizing  many  objections  to  this  process,  he  expended 
much  time  and  thought  in  devising  some  more  safe  and 
efficient  method.  He  had  already  used  a  smoker  to  l;c 
held  in  the  mouth,  the  smoke  to  be  bloAvn  among  the 
bees  with  the  breath,  but  it  was  unsatisfactory.  It  was 
made  of  a  tin  tube,  two  inches  in  diameter,  and  six 
inches  long ;  in  one  end  of  this,  a  short  tube  of  wood 
was  fitted,  and  in  the  other  end  was  a  longer  piece,  to 
hold  in  the  mouth,  with  a  quarter-inch  hole  bored 
through  each.  The  fuel  was  ignited  and  placed  inside, 
and  the  smoke  blown  in  the  desired  direction. 

QUINBY   SMOKER, 

In  1873,  Mr.  Quinby  gave  the  matter  very  particular 
attention,  which  resulted  in  the  invention  of  the  upright 


90 


CONTROLLING     BEES. 


bellows  and  tube,  wbicli  bas  since  been  known  as  tbe 
"  Quinby  Bellows  Smoker."  Thin  invention  I  believe  all 
agree  to  have  been  original  with  him.  In  187-4,  it  was 
practically  improved  and  offered  to  the  public. 

It  has  still  more  recently  been  much  improved  in  me- 
chanical details,  but  it  is  substantially  the  same  in  prin- 
ciple, and  is,  in  its  present 


condition,  as  shown  in  fig. 
20,  a  popular  implement  of 
more  than  ordinary  utility, 
and  is  approved  by  the  bee- 
keeping fraternity  general- 
ly. Several  bellows  smokers, 
differing  in  some  minor  de- 
tails of  construction,  have 
been  manufactured  for  sale, 
but  thet-G  are  based  upon 
the  same  essential  principle, 
all  having  adopted  the  up- 
right bellows  and  tube.  To 
operate  the  smoker,  light  a 
|j  piece  of  decayed  wood,  re- 
move the  tapering  part  of 
the  tube,  put  in  the  wood, 
^  and  replace  it.  The  bellows 

Fig.  20.— IMPROVED  QD1K3Y  SMOKER.    .  ^       -,     „-,i       ^„^     1  ^ i 

**  IS  worked  with  one  hand, 

directing  the  smoke  to  any  point  desired.  When  not  in 
immediate  use,  it  may  be  placed  in  an  upright  position, 
thereby  continuing  the  combustion  as  long  as  required. 


DOUBLE   BLAST   QUINBY    SMOKER. 

The  late.-t  and  most  valuable  improvement  in  bee- 
smokers  is  that  by  which  the  draft  may  be  chani;cd  at 
pleasure  (see  fig.  21).  In  the  single  hot-blast  smokers  the 
draft  passes  into  the  firo  tube  from  the  bellows  below  the 


CONTKOLLING    BEES. 


91 


fire.  This  creates  too  much  fire  when  working  the  bel- 
lows to  force  out  the  smoke  ;  the  air  blown  with  the 
smoke  upon  the  bees  is  too  much  heated,  and  often  ac- 
companied with  ashes  and  sparks.  To  obviate  these  de- 
fects the  cold-blast  smoker  was  devised,  in  which  the  air 
enters  the  fire-tube  from  the  bellows  above  the  fire  only. 
Thus  the  operator  is  not  able  to  blow  upon  the  fire  di- 
rectly, to  start  it,  or  to  free  the  smoker  from  ashes. 

With  the  double  draft  the  slide  may  be  shoved  so  that 
the  draft  comes  belov/  the  fire  until  it  is  properly  started, 
or  for  clearing  out  the  ashes  ;  after  which  the  draft  may 
be  reversed  and  the  air  taken 
from  above  the  fire,  when  it 
will  be  cool  and  free  from  ashes 
and  sparks.  In  the  largest 
sized  smoker,  where  the  amount 
of  fuel  is  increased,  this  feature 
is  particularly  valuable.  Prac- 
tical bee-keepers  will  not  be 
slow  to  see  and  appreciate  the 
advantages  of  this  form  of 
smoker.  Mr.  Quinby  had  a 
characteristic  dislike  of  patents, 
and  in  accordance  with  this, 
he  freely  gave  this  valuable  aid 
to  bee-keepers,  without  any  of 
tlie  restrictions  which  would  have  proved  a  protection 
against  piracy,  or  which  would  have  made  it  pecuniarily 
profitable.*  With  this  useful  ally,  one  can  perform  the 
various  active  operations  incident  to  the  management  of 
bees,  with  comparatively  little  fear  of  stings.  By  a  judi- 
cious use  of  smoke,  at  the  right  moment,  their  com- 
bativeness  is  subdued  and   their  auger  turned  to  sub- 


Fic;.  21. — DOUBLE  blast 

QUIXBY   SMOKER. 


*  I  have  been  induced  by  recent  developments,  to  cover  ccrtuiu  improvcmcuta 
in  tiis  Smoker  by  a  patent.  .    . 


93 


CONTKOLLINO   BEES. 


mission.  Their  impulse  is,  to  fill  themselves  with  honey, 
after  which  they  are  more  peaceable.  There  are  often 
occasions  when  they  will  require  the  repaated  use  of 
smoke  to  force  them  to  yield. 

MEANS   OF   PROrECTION. 

It  has  been  my  effort  to  show  that  the  fear  of  stings 
should  be  no  hindrance  to  the  pursuit  of  bee  culture  ; 
yet  thsra  are  mmy  who  will  need  further  protection  to 
insure  confidence,  especially  when  handling  hybrids. 
For  those  who  must  protect  their  hands,  there  is  nothing 
better  than  long  rubber  gloves.  An  over-sleeve  of  cotton 
cloth  with  an  elastic  in  each  end  to  hold  it  suugly  iu 
place,  at  wrist  and  elbow,  will  prevent  rambling  bees 
from  making  explorations  inside  of  one's  sleeve. 


BEE   VEIL. 

To  guard  the  face,  a  veil  of  mosquito  netting,  tarlatan, 
or  lace,  is  sometimes  indispensable.     A  piece  a  yard  and 

one-quarter  by  three-quarters 
or  five-eighths  of  a  yard, 
should  be  sewed  together, 
with  an  elastic  in  one  end 
to  be  adjusted  over  the  hat 
crown.  Four  or  five  inches 
from  the  top  insert  a  piece  of 
coarse-meshed  wire  cloth  of 
as  fine  wire  as  can  be  obtain- 
ed. This  should  be  about 
Gx9  inches.  At  a  suitable 
distance  from  the  bottom  at- 
tach a  narrow  tape  to  tie 
about  the  neck,  as  shown  in  fig.  23.  Stout,  black,  bobi- 
net  lace,  answers  an  excellent  purpose,  and  is  thought 
by  some  to  be  better  for  the  eyes  than  the  wire  cloth.     A 


Fig.  22.  -I 


CONTROLLING    liEES.  93 

number  of  veils  should,  always  be  iu  readiness,  not  only 
for  the  use  of  the  apiarian  and  assistants,  but  for  the 
convenience  of  visitors  who  may  desire  to  witness  the 
operations. 

SUITABLE    DRESS   FOE    WOMEX. 

As  women  are  becoming  more  and.  more  interested  iu 
practical  bee-keeping,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  otfer  a  few 
suggestions  as  to  an  appropriate  dress  for  the  work. 
However  out  of  place,  long,  clinging  skirts  may  be  in  a 
kitchen  or  wash-room,  they  are  doubly  so  (n  out-of-door 
employments. 

Many  of  the  operations  in  the  apiary  must  be  performed 
before  the  dew  has  dried  in  the  moraing,  or  soon  after  a 
rain,  and  a  long  dress  becomes  damp  and  draggled.  It 
is  also  a  hindrance  to  easy  and  active  movements,  and  as 
the  bees  are  liable  to  become  entangled  in  the  clothing, 
the  danger  of  stings  is  consequently  increased.  Every 
woman  who  wishes  to  work  a'P.ong  bees,  should  wear  a 
dress  suitably  short,  something  like  what  is  called  the 
'^American  Costume."  D^'awers  should  be  made  of  the 
same  material  as  the  dress,  tolerably  wide,  gathered  on  a 
band  at  the  bottom,  and  buttoned  tight  about  the  ankle. 
With  sleeves  close  at  tAO  wrist,  and  veil  and  gloves,  if 
needed,  nothing  furtL?T  can  be  desired. 

IXT'V/.'EST    DISPELS    FEAR. 

NotwithstanJin;j,  I  have  given  considerable  space  to 
this  matter  of  seo  ".rity  from  stings,  I  wish  to  say  that 
whoever  has  entiiT,?iasm  or  interest  enough  to  wish  to 
become  a  succo?.!'/'il  bee-keeper,  must  soon  learn  to  work 
without  fear,  av.d  become  quite  indifferent  to  special 
means  of  protontion. 

I  remember  that  Mr.  Quinby  once  said  of  Mr.  Lang- 
stroth,  on  the  occasion  of  their  first  interview,  that  he 


94  CONTROLLING   BEES. 

showed  the  most  boldness  and  indifference  to  stings  of 
any  man  he  ever  saw,  and  seldom  received  any.  This 
illustrates  the  true  principle.  He  was  bent  on  investiga- 
tion and  discovery  in  his  favorite  field  of  study,  and  the 
paltry  fear  of  a  few  stings  found  no  place  in  his  mind. 
As  a  natural  consequence,  the  bees  took  but  little  notice 
of  him ;  whereas,  if  a  person  passes  through  the  apiary 
expecting  an  attack,  dodging  and  evading  every  bee  that 
flies  near  him,  the  bees  are  quite  likely  to  become  dis- 
pleased and  assail  him,  when  he  would  otherwise  have 
escaped  their  attention. 

REMEDIES    FOR   STINGS. 

It  is  difficult  to  tell  which  are  the  best  remedies  for 
stints.  There  is  so  much  difference  in  the  effect  upon 
different  individuals,  and  upon  different  parts  of  the 
body,  as  well  as  in  the  depth  a  sting  reaches,  that  reme- 
dies effectual  in  one  instance,  will  be  useless  in  another. 

Ammonia,  soda,  or  salt  and  soda  mixed,  and  slightly 
moistened,  are  probably  as  efficient  as  anything.  Camphor, 
taken  internally,  seems  to  possess  a  virtue  when  the  sting 
is  severe  enough  to  cause  blotches  upon  the  skin,  as  well 
as  when  applied  externally. 

When  stung  in  the  throat,  drinking  often  of  salt  and 
water  is  said  to  prevent  serious  consequences. 

Whether  any  of  these  remedies  are  applied  or  not,  it 
is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  the  sting  should  be  re- 
moved as  soon  as  practicable. 

In  doing  this,  it  should  be  observed  that  as  the  poison 
sac  is  yet  attached  to  the  sting,  it  should  be  extracted  in 
such  a  way  as  not  to  force  any  more  of  tlie  poison  into 
the  wound.  The  sting  may  often  be  scraped  off  with  a 
knife-blade,  and  the  part  be  squeezed  a  little  to  force  the 
poison  out.  It  is  unquestionable  that  the  system  becomes 
accustomed  to  the  poison  in  time,  and  little  annoyance  is 
experienced  by  practical  bee-keepers. 


HIVES    AXb   BOXES.  95 

CHAPTER    YI. 
HIVES    AND    BOXES. 

ilOVABLE-COMB    HIVE. 

The  movable-comb  hive  was  invented  by  Rev.  L.  L. 
Langstroth,  about  1850.  The  same  idea  was  developed 
about  the  same  time,  but  in  a  less  practical  form,  by 
Dzierzon,  the  noted  German  bee-keeper,  whose  researches 
in  the  natural  history  of  bees,  and  practical  application 
of  the  truths  he  discovered,  have  won  for  him  the  de- 
served appreciation  and  admiration  of  all  intelligent 
bee-keepers. 

Mr.  Lingstroth's  invention,  however,  was  of  so  practi- 
cal a  form  as  to  at  once  command  the  approbation  of  all 
investigating  minds,  and  speedily  wrought  a  revolution 
in  bee-culture,  such  as  all  apiarian  history  had  not  before 
recorded.  It  is,  perhap>,  fitting  that  I  sliould  here 
express  my  genuine  admiration  for,  and  appreciation  of 
the  work  Mr.  Langstroth  has  done  for  American  bee- 
keepers. In  careful,  intelligent  study,  and  insight  into 
the  habits  of  the  honey-bee,  the  clear  perception  of  the 
best  means  of  adapting  the  requirements  of  the  apiarian, 
to  their  natures  ;  and  in  the  elegant  and  scholarly  style 
in  which  his  ideas  have  been  presented  to  us,  he  has  no 
superior,  and  indeed,  no  equal,  in  the  list  of  writers  on 
bee-culture.  Mr.  P.  H.  Elwood,  one  of  the  most  scholarly 
and  educated  apiarians  of  my  acquaintance,  says  of  Mr. 
Langstroth's  book,  that  it  is  one  of  the  most  beautifully 
written  works  that  he  ever  read  on  any  topic  wliatever. 

CON'STRUCTION   AND  ADVANTAGES. 

For  the  benefit  of  that  class  of  bee-keepers  who  are  yet 
using  box  hives,  and  are  unfamiliar  w?tli  the  construction 


96  HIVES    AND   BOXES. 

and  advantages  of  movable  frames,  I  will  briefly  give  the 
most  important  points.  Each  comb,  instead  of  being 
attached  to  the  top  and  sides  of  the  hive,  is  built  in  a 
frame,  so  arranged  that  each  c:ni  be  handled  separately. 

The  hives  are  so  made  that  all  the  combs  can  be  in- 
spected without  difficulty.  When  the  bees  diminish  in 
numbers,  the  cause  can  be  readily  ascertained. 

The  exact  amount  of  sealed  honey  can  be  seen  at  a 
glance,  and  weak  colonies  strengthened,  by  exchanging  an 
empty  comb,  for  one  full  of  brood  and  honey,  from  a 
strong  colony.  The  amount  of  Avorker-brood  that  they 
shall  raise  may  be  increased,  and  the  number  of  drones 
lessened,  by  substituting  worker  for  drone  comb.  Swarms 
can  be  made  at  pleasure  by  dividing.  The  ravages  of 
the  moth -worm  can  be  detected  and  prevented. 

These  are  but  a  few  of  the  considerations  hereafter  to 
be  presented,  but  should  be  sufficient  to  convince  any  but 
the  most  stolid  intellect,  of  the  immeasurable  superiority 
of  hives  with  movable  frames,  over  the  common  box-hive. 
Nevertheless,  in  urging  enterprising  bee-keepers  to 
adopt  them,  it  must  be  clearly  understood  that  something 
15  required  beyond  the  mere  substitution  of  a  movable- 
comb  hive  for  the  old  box. 

INTELLIGENT   MANIPULATION    NECESSARY. 

Many  bee-keepers  have  been  sadly  victimized  in  their 
first  efforts  at  such  improvement,  by  the  misrepresenta- 
tions of  unscrupulous  hive- venders,  whose  only  motive 
was  to  obtain  the  fee  for  using  their  *'  patent "  hives,  and 
then  leave  the  perplexed  apiarian  to  blunder  into  worse 
dilemmas  than  before.  Many  are  led  to  believe  that  the 
mere  use  of  the  hive  in  question,  will  insure  the  success 
which  the  skilled  manager  of  movable  frames  is  able  to 
attain,  over  the  meagre  results  of  the  old  system. 

A  hive  is  procured,  but  before  building  a  large  number, 


HIVES   AXD    BOXES.  97 

the  purchaser  possibly  concludes,  wisely,  to  test  it  before 
going  further. 

A  swarm  is  hived  in  it,  and  the  grand  results  awaited. 
By  the  side  of  it,  stands  a  box  hive,  containing  a  similiar 
swarm,  aud  if  the  boxes  are  well  arranged,  and  the 
hive  smaller  than  the  other,  which  is  usually  the  case, 
the  chances  are  that  more  surplus  honey  will  be  stored 
in  them,  than  in  those  on  the  movable-comb  hive. 

Ycry  often,  too,  the  combs  arc  wot  built  straight  in  the 
frames,  thus  depriving  him  of  the  advantages  to  be  gain- 
ed by  handling  them.  The  very  natural  conclusion  of 
the  experimenter,  would  be,  that  he  was  humbugged,  aiid 
the  movable-comb  hive  was  inferior  to  the  box. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  most  Avriters  think  it  un- 
necessary to  make  mention  of  box  hives, the  fact  that  a  large 
number  of  our  bee-keepers  still  pursue  the  old  method 
and  use  them,  seems  to  me  a  sufficient  reason  for  recogniz- 
ing them,  at  least  so  far  as  to  call  their  attention  to  the 
deficiencies  in  their  system,  and  to  point  out  to  them  the 
benefits  to  be  derived  from  a  change  made  with  due  study 
and  attention. 

Ever  ^ince  I  have  been  engaged  in  bee-culture,  I  have 
been  under  obligations  to  these  box-hive  men.  We  have 
bought  boes  largely  of  them,  each  spring,  to  transfer  to 
our  hives  with  movable  frames,  and  thus  fill  up  our 
stocks  to  Italianize,  and  prejiare  for  the  following  season's 
operations. 

I  might  occupy  much  space  in  describing  many  hives 
of  much  merit,  but  with  an  extended  knowledge  of  a  very 
large  number,  I  shall  class  them  under  but  two  heads, 
Hanging- Frame  and  Standing-Frame  Hives. 

THE   HAXGIXG-FEAME   OR   LANGSTKOTH    HIVE. 

In  the  previous  revision  of   this   work,  in  1865,  Mr. 
Quinby  fully  recognized  the  merits  of  Mr.  Langstroth's 
5     ' 


98  HIVES  AND    BOXES. 

invention,  and  described  the  modified  form  of  his  liive, 
which  he  used  successfully  for  several  years. 

The  simplest  form  is  made  as  follows  : 

Cut  two  pieces  ISy^  Inches  long,  12  in.  wide,  of  '/g-in. 
lumber.  Rabbet  the  ends  '/^  in,  wide,  and  y^  in.  deep, 
to  receive  the  end  pieces.  This  will  allow  the  comers  to 
be  nailed  from  both  ways,  making  it  more  firm  and 
strong. 

Next,  cut  two  pieces  12y^  inches  long,  12  in.  wide, 
and  same  thickness.  *  In  one  edge  of  the  ends,  cut  a  rab- 
bet y,  in.  each  way.  Nail  together  with  the  end  pieces 
inside,  and  the  rabbeting  at  top,  to  support  the  frames. 
This  will  make  a  box  12x12x17,  inside  measure.  For 
th(^  bottom  board  cut  a  piece  ISy^  in.  long,  13y^  in.  wide. 
Cut  two  cleats  ISy^  in.  long,  and  ly,  in.  square.-  Nail 
these  on  each  end,  with  wrought  nails,  clinching  them 
firmly.  Cut  an  entrance  in  this  bottom  board,  4  in. 
Avide,  and  y^  in.  deep,  at  the  front  edge,  gradually  slant- 
ing to  the  surface,  4  in.  back.  (See  fig.  34).  For  a  toj), 
cut  a  board  of  the  same  size  as  the  bottom.  Nail  tvvo 
cleats  12y^  in.  long,  ly^  in.  wide,  y^in.  thick,  across  it, 
1  in.  from  the  end,  and  an  equal  distance  from  each  edge, 
clinching  Avell.  In  all  cleats  it  is  well  to  bore  holes,  for 
nails,  to  avoid  splitting.  It  is  a  mistake  of  many  Avriters 
to  advise  too  heavy  m.aterial  for  bottom-boards.     They 

A  j^/\jww..A.A-.    ^^^'^"^^  ^'"^  made  light,  that  they  may 

^ — ■ — ; — ®    not  add  unnecessarily  to  the'  Aveight 

TKON  fS  Same3.  o^  the  hive  when  handHng.  Across 
the  bottom  of  the  hive  in  the  center 
should  be  a  stick  with  bent  wires,  or  Avhat  ij  better,  a 
cast-iron  piece  to  hold  the  frames  steady,  and  at  proper 
distances  apart.  This  (fig.  23)  is  held  ir  place  with  screws. 
For  a  cap  to  cover  the  top  and  protect  the  boxes,  ^ut 
two  pieces  lOy,  inches  long,  and  wide  enough  to  make  suf- 


♦Unleee  otherwise  specified  all  mntcrial  for  hives  shonld  he  J  inch  t!)ick. 


HIVES   AND  BOXES. 


93 


ficient  depth  to  receive  the  boxes  to  be  used.  Eabbet  the 
corners  y^  in.  X  '/g  in.  in  the  same  manner  as  the  sides 
of  the  hive.  Cut  two  other  pieces,  same  width,  and  13'/^ 
in.  long  for  ends.  Eabbet  one  corner  of  each  of  the  four 
pieces,  '/g  in.  each  way,  so  that  when  nailed  together 
the  rabbeting  will  come  on  the  inside,  lower  edge.  This 
is  to  fit  the  top  of  the  hive  and  hold  the  cap  in  place.  A 
board  19'/^  x  14'/^  nailed  upon  the  top  completes  the  cap. 


Fio:.    21. — HANGING-FRAME,    HIVE    AND   CAP. 

A  handle  for  the  hive  and  cap,  as  shown  in  fig.  24,  may 
be  made  by  dropping  the  ends  on  a  wabble  gaw,  or  it  may 
be  cut  with  a  chisel. 

This  is  the  very  simplest  form  of  case  for  a  movable 
frame  hive.  But  it  does  not  meet  all  the  demands  of  the 
progressive  bee-keeper.  Ventilation  is  to  be  considered.  A 
hole  5  X 10  inches  may  be  cut  in  the  center  of  the  bottom- 
board  for  this  purpose.  Two  sticks,  13  in.  long  by  1  x  V/„ 
with  a  y^  in.  rabbet  in  one  corner  of  each,  should  be 
nailed  across  the  bottom  board  at  the  ends  of  this  hole, 
in  which  to  slide  a  A-cntilator.     This  should  be  made  of 


100 


HIVES    AND    BOXES. 


'/^  in.  stuff,  and  cleated  to  prevent  warping.  "When  it 
is  desired  to  move  bees,  or  to  ventilate  them  in  warm 
weather,  make  a  frame  the  size  of  the  ventilator  and  cover 
it  with  wire  cloth.     One  is  shown  in  fig.  34,  page  108. 

The  rabbeting  on  which  the  frames  rest  may  be  cut  y^ 
inch  deep,  instead  of  y^  in. ,  and  a  piece  of  inch  hoop  iron, 
nailed  or  screwed  over  it,  projecting  upwards  within  y, 
in.  of  the  top,  on  which  the  frames  may  hang  instead. 
There  Avill,  in  this  way,  be  less  bearing,  and  the  frames 
be  less  firmly  fastened  by  the  bees,  thus  causing  lers 
jar  in  handling. 

THAMES. 


"Whatever  tlie  size  of  the  frame,  there  should  bo  but  a 
plain  rim  around  the  outside.  Frames  of  all  sorts  and 
fashions  have  been  used  and  recommended,  each  with 
some  feature  designed  to  meet  a  special  necessity,  but  the 
simplest  form  has  long  been  i)roved  the  best.  There  is 
probably  no  point  upon  which  good  bee-keepers  differ 
more  widely  than  in  regard  to  the  depth  of  frames. 

Some  prefer  a  frame  15  inches  deep,  while  others  make 
them  as  shallow  as  six  inches.      Mr.  Bingham  uses  a 

standing  frame  of  this  depth, 
for  which  he  claims  superior 
advantages.  Mr.  Langstroth 
also  recommended  a  low 
frame.  I  prefer  a  medium 
between  these  extremes. 
Frames  should  be  made  of 
the  best  quality  of  lumber, 
pine  to  be  preferred.  A  good 
hanging  frame  is  made  as 
follows  :  For  the  top  bar,  cut 
a  piece  17y,  inches  long,  y,  in.  thick,  and  y,  in.  wide. 
Cut  each  end  down  to  y,  in.  thickness,  y^  in.  from 
the   end.     Cut   two  pieces  for   the   end   liy,  in.  long, 


Fisr.  25. — hanging-fkame. 


HIVES   AXI)    BOXES. 


101 


Yg  in.  wide,  and  '/^  in.  thick.  For  the  bottom,  cut  a 
piece  16  in.  long,  y^  in.  wide,  and  '/^  in.  thick.  Nail 
together,  making  a  frame  as  shov/n  in  tig.  25.  Two  tri- 
angular blocks  should  be  added  to  the  corners  to  stiffen 
the  frame.  They  should  be  about  1'/,  in.  on  the  sides 
next  to  the  frame.  Eight  of  these  frames  will  fill  a  hive. 
These  hives  are  designed  to  receive  top-boxes  only. 


Fiff.    20. — DIVISION   BOARD. 


DIVISION-BOARD. 

At  any  timo  when  a  limite:!  number  of  frames  is  used, 
the  brood  chamber  should  be  cantracted  accordingly. 
For  this  purpose,  a  movable 
division-board  is  necessary. 
If  but  one  or  two  frames  are 
used  for  a  nucleus,  and  it  is 
desired  that  they  occupy  a 
position  at  the  center  of  the 
hive,  a  division-board  may 
be  placed  at  each  side  of  the 
combs.  To  make  one,  a  board 
of  the  required  size,  with  a  bar  across  the  top,  as  shown 
in  fig.  26,  is  all  that  is  needed.  Some  cut  them  slightly 
smaller  than  the  hive,  and  place  a  piece  of  rubber  or 
leather  in  a  groove  around  the  outside,  to  fit  the  sides  of 
the  hive  more  completely. 

SIDE-BOXING   HIVES. 

The  question  of  side-boxing  hives  occurs  here,  as  their 
us3  involves  some  change  in  the  details  of  construction. 
Aro  they  desirable  ?  If  honey,  rather  than  increase  of 
colonies  is  the  aim,  I  answer,  yes.  Where  a  moderate 
increase  is  preferred,  boxes  enough  to  secure  all  the  sur- 
plus likely  to  be  gathered,  may  be  used  upon  the  top  of 
the  hive,  by  placing  them  two  tiers  high.  But  if  swarm- 
ing is  to  be  prevented,  I  consider  side-boxes  iudispensa* 


102  HIVKS    AND    BOXES. 

bit,  especially  in  the  best  seasons.  Many  cf  our  best 
bee-keepers  are  using  side-boxes  in  connection  with  the 
hanging-frame  hive.  Tliis  may  be  done  by  making  the 
sides  of  the  hive  movable,  and  holding  the  ends  in  place, 
by  a  piece  of  hoop-iron,  at  top  and  bottom,  across  each 
side.  The  corners  may  be  secured  as  illustrated,  by 
clasps,  such  as  will  be  described  hereafter.     (See  fig.  37.) 

OBSERVATORY    HIVE. 

A  very  convenient  form  of  observatory  hive,  for  the 
satisfaction  of  those  who  wish  to  observe  the  operations 


Fig.    y7.— OBSEKVATOKY   UIVE. 

of  the  bees,  without  opening  the  hive,  can  be  made  sub- 
stantially as  the  above,  except  that  the  two  sides  should 
be  made  with  a  frame,  two  inches  wide,  with  a  glass 
fitted  in  the  inside,  and  a  dojr  made  of  two  thicknesses 
of  thin  board,  with  the  grain  at  right  angles  to  prevent 
warping.     This  door  should  fit  nicely  in  the  frame   be 


HTVES^  AND    BOXES. 


103 


hung  Avitli  hinges,  and  fastened  with  a  small  button  or 
hook.  Figure  27,  illustrates  this  hive  with  a  door 
opened. 

THE   NEW    QUIXBY   HIVE.       (Fig.   28.) 

It  has  already  been  mentioned,  that  upon  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  hanging-frame  hive,  Mr.  Qninby  at  once 
adopted  it,  and  used  it  in  the  form  herein  described,  with 


Fig.   28.— QUINBT  HIVE,    WITH  FRAMES   AND  BOXES. 

marked  success  and  satisfaction.  It  is  also  well  known 
chat  the  majority  of  bee-keepers  of  the  present  day  are 
using  it  in  some  of  its  forms,  with  excellent  results. 
The  late  Adam  Grimm,  of  Jefferson,  Wis.,  used  a  modi- 
fication of  it,  arranged  by  himself,  and  known  as  the 
Grimm  hive,  and  with  it,  achieved  extraordinary  success. 
This  is  certainly  ample  proof  of  the  inherent  value  of 
the  hanging-frame.  Notwithstanding  its  acknowledged 
merit,  and  the  results  he  had  attained  by  its  use,  Mr. 
Qumby  found,  after  patient  investigation,  that    there 


104  HIVES   AXD    BOXES. 

wore  yet  points  in  Avhicli  the  hanging- frame  hive  was  de- 
ficient, especially  when  he  desired  to  control  swarming. 
After  prolonged  study  and  experiment,  he  invented,  about 
the  year  186S,  the  "  New  Quinhy  Hive"  with  standing 
frame,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1875,  he  had  so 
far  demonstrated  its  practicability,  and  superiority,  that 
it  was  a  source  of  much  gratification. 

I  designate  this  as  the  New  Quinby  hive,  from  the 
fact  that  two  other  hives  have  been  kuown  as  the  Quinby 
hive,  viz.  ;  the  box-hive  recommended  in  the  first  edi- 
tion of  this  book,  and  the  modified  form  of  the  Lang- 
stroth,  just  described. 

The  question  as  to  the  best  size  of  a  hive  to  meet  all 
the  requirements  of  the  advanced  bee-keeper,  cannot,  I 
maintain,  be  answered  so  well  with  any  other  hive.  Tlie 
fact  is,  that  with  this  hive  and  frame,  the  size  may  vary 
from  one  frame  for  queen-rearing,  to  16  for  extracting,  or 
include  any  intermediate  number,  according  to  the  object 
in  view,  and  in  every  case,  the  hive  is  equally  complete 
and  perfect.  And  I  claim  it  to  be  indisputable,  that  for 
box  and  extracted  honey,  wintering,  and  indeed,  in  all 
the  facilities  it  furnishes,  the  New  Quinby  hive  cannot 
be  surpassed  by  any  hive  now  in  use. 

The  question  may  be  very  properly  asked,  if  this  hivo 
is  all  that  I  claim,  why  has  it  not  been  more  generally 
adopted  ?  Those  who  are  familiar  with  its  history  since 
it  was  first  given  to  the  public  can  readily  divine  the 
cause.  This,  as  well  as  many  other  meritorious  inven- 
tions, has  suffered  materially  in  reputation  by  being  sent 
out  in  a  crude,  imperfect  form,  before  the  details  of  con- 
struction were  sufficiently  perfected,  to  commend  it  to  the 
favor  of  less  patient  manipulators.  It  would  be  a  source 
of  deep  regret  to  me,  if  even  a  single  person  should  sup- 
pose for  a  moment,  that  the  new  Quinby  hive  now  used 
by  J.  E.  Hetherington  with  such  flattering  success  is  not 
an  improvement  upon  those  first  constructed  over  ten 


HIVKS   AND    BOXES. 


105 


years  since.  If  there  be  any  such,  they  Avill  do  well  to 
notice  carefully  the  details  of  the  hive  here  described, 
which  show  its  latest  improvements.  I  shall  make  an  es- 
pecial effort  to  describe  and  illustrate  it  clearly,  for  in 
this,  as  in  all  points  concerned  in  the  revision  of  this 
work,  I  desire  to  carry  out  fully  the  principles  of  the  au- 
thor, in  showing  that  it  is  for  the  public,  and  not  for  the 
sake  of  personal  gain.  * 

STAXDIXG    FRAME. 

I  px'opose  to  describe  the  standing  frame  used  with  this 
hive,  before  the  case  or  exterior  ;  from  the  fact  that  it  is 
often  used  independently 
of  the  case,  which  is  by 
some  considered  the  pre- 
ferable way.  To  make  this 
frame,  cut  two  pieces  for 
ends,  liy^  in.  long,  1'/, 
in.  wide,  and  y^  in.  thick. 
Cut  the  top  bar  16  ni. 
long,  y,  in.  wide,  y,  in. 
thick,  and  the  bottom  bar 
the  same  length  and  width,  and  y^  in.  thick.  Nail 
together  as  indicated  in  figure  29,  with  the  top  and  bot- 
tom strips  y^  in.  from  the  top  and  bottom  of  ends, 
making  a  frame  16  X  lOy^  inside  measure.  Corner  blocks 
should  be  added  as  in  the  hanging  frame. 

The  hook  for  holding  the  frame  in  an  upright  position 
is  made  of  y^-inch  hoop-iron.  Cut  a  piece  2  y„  m.  long, 
and  bend  a  right  angle  y^  in.  from  one  end.    In  the  long 


Fig.   29. — STAXDING  FRAME. 


*  It  18  well  kno\vn  that  Mr.  Q.  had  an  rstreme  aversion  to  patents,  and  this, 
as  well  as  many  other  invcDtions,  was  never  covorod  b.v  one.  Complaints 
were  made  during  the  past  year  (I'^TS)  that  a  Mr.  Miller,  of  this  State,  had  se- 
cured a  patent  upon  this  hive,  and  was  endeavoring  to  collect  a  royalty,  in  some 
sectloni.  1  simply  call  attention  to  this,  to  warn  any  one  using  this  hiv^,  aot 
to  pay  any  such  unjust  claini. 


100 


UIVKS   AM)    BOXKS. 


end,  punch  two  holes  large  enough  to  receive  y4-in.  clout- 
nails.  This  hook  is  to  be 
nailed  on  one  end  of  one 
upright  piece,  so  that  the 
hook  or  shorter  end,  will 
stand  directly  under  the 
center  of  the  end  with  a 
space  of  a  plump  y,g  in. 
between  it  and  the  end, 
which  gives  room  to  hook 
it  under  the  hoop-iron  on 
the  bottom  board,  here- 
after to  be  explained  (fig. 
30).  This  hook  should 
be  nailed  on  before  the 
frame  is  \nit  together. 
0.  J.  Hetlierington  makes 
the  hook  as  wide  as  the 
end  of  the  frame,  and 
puts  one  on  each  of  the 
This  allows  the  frame  to  be  reversed  if 
construct- 


UOOK    ON    END   OF   FRAME. 


four  corners, 
desired.  For 
nig  frames,  a  form  (fig. 
31)  should  be  made,  by 
the  use  of  which  they 
may  be  rapidly  and  ac- 
curately   i)ut     togetlier. 

PASTELS,  OE  SIDE-BOARDS. 

These  panels?  are  used 
at  the  sides  of  the  frames, 
and  the  size  of  the  brood- 
nest  is  determined  by  the 
number  of  frames  i)laecd 
between  them.  The  sim- 
plest   form    of    a   panel  ^"^s-  3i.— fokm  fok  liLiLDmo  fsamss. 


HIVES   AND    BOXES. 


107 


is  made  of  pine,  by  cutting  a  board  17  in,  long,  11'/^ 
in.  wide,  and  '/,  in.  tiiick,  and  cleating  with  two  pieces 
liy,  in.  long,  / ^  in.  wide,  and  '/,  in.  thick.  Use  VJ^ 
in.  clout-nails  (iig.  32).  A  better  form  of  panel  is  made 
by  cutting  two  pieces  17  in.  long,  1  in.  wide,  and  "/^  in. 
thick,  and  two  other  pieces  10'/^  in.  long,  same  width 
and  thickness.  In  the  center  of  one  edge  of  each  of  these 
four  pieces  cut  a  groove  '/^  in.  wide  by  '/,  in.  deep.  At 
each  end  of  the  two  longer  pieces,  cut  away  '/^  in.  deep, 
1  in.  back,  to  receive  the  end  pieces.  This  will  form  a 
frame  17  X  liy„  in.  outside.    For  a  panel  to  hll  this  frame. 


PANEL  FOR  SIDE  OF  FXIAMES. 


Fig.    33. 
PANEL  FOR  SIDIi  O?  FRAMES. 


a  board  should  be  cut  15'/^  in.  long,  lOVg  in.  wide,  and 
y^  inch  thick.  Cat  a  rabbet  all  around  this  y„  in.  wide 
and  y^  in.  deep.  Place  this  in  the  frame,  and  nail  at 
the  corners  with  iy„-in.  finishnig  nails.  This  gives  y^ 
in.  margin  for  swelling  (fig.  33),  This  is  generally  used 
Avith  the  flat' side  next  to  the  combs,  yet  occasionally  it 
will  be  found  very  desirable  to  reverse  it  when  preparing 
bees  for  winter,  as  it  will  give  them  needed  access  to  the 
heavily  filled  outside  combs.  The  reason  for  preferring  this 
panel  to  the  first  is  that  it  does  not  vary  in  width  so  mucli 
by  swelling  and  snrinking,  and  is  not  so  liable  to  warp. 

SMALL   BOTTOM   BOAEDS   FOR   QUINBY   FRAMES. 

These  should  be,  when  finished,  ISy^  in.  long,  and  15 
in.  wide.     Cut  two  pieces  ISy^  X  5,  and  two  others,  5x5. 


LOS 


HIVES   AXD   BOXES. 


At  th3  end  of  one  of  these  short  pieces,  cut  two  entrances, 
in  the  same  manner  as  heretofore  directed.  The  wholtt 
width  of  the  piece  should  be  cut  away,  except  y^  in.  in 
the  center.  Two  cleats  are  needed,  15  in.  long,  1'/,  in. 
square,  and  two  others,  the  same  length,  V/^X''/^  in. 
Rabbet  one  corner  of  each  of  the  last  two  '/^  in.  each 
way,  to  hold  a  ventilator.  Put  the  pieces  together  as  in- 
dicated in  fig.  3-4,  and  nail  to  the  cleats,  placing  the  two 
larger  ones  at  the  ends,  and  the  others  at  the  sides  of  the 
opening  for  the  ventilator,  which  may  be  made  as  hither- 
to described. 

On  the  upper  surface  of  this  bottom-board,  y^  in.  from 
the  rear  edge,  a  groove  one  inch  wide  and  ^/^^  in.  deep, 

should  be  cut  with  a 
dado  head,  or  plane. 
Over  the  front  edge  of 
this  groove  nail  a  strip 
of  1-in.  hoop  iron, 
projecting  y,g  of  an 
inch  over  it,  using 
I'/^-in.  clout  nails. 
The  hook  on  the 
lower  end  of  the  frame  hooks  under  this,  and  supports 
the  frame  in  an  upright  position.  A  piece  of  inch  hoop 
iron  sliould  be  nailed  across  the  front,  y^  in.  from  the 
edge,  upon  which  the  frames  may  rest,  and  under  which 
the  bees  are  to  pass  (fig.  34).  Upon  this  bottom-board, 
tlie  desired  number  of  frames  may  be  set  close  together 
(there  being  no  space  between  the  frames  at  the  ends),  a 
panel  placed  at  each  side,  and  a  strong  cord  tied  around 
all.  Place  a  panel  upon  the  top,  and  you  have  a  com- 
plete hive. 

OUTER   CASE   NOT   ALWAYS    ESSENTIAL. 

I  have  fully  demonstrated  in  my  practice,  that  for  box- 
ing both  side  and  top,  the  standing  frames  may  be  used 


Fig.    34. — SMAXL   BOTTOM   BOARD. 


HIVES  AND   BOXES. 


109 


with  perfect,  success,  without  either  case,  or  cap  of  any 
kind,  when  the  boxes  are  enclosed  in  a  clamp,  as  hereafter 
indicated.  I  have  operated  100  swarms  after  this  plan, 
even  laying  aside  cases  and  caps  from  choice,  in  warmest 
weather.  A  good  roof,  to  protect  the  hive  from  the 
weather,  must  be  used  ;  this  is  shown  in  fig.  39.  For 
protection  in  cold  weather,  a  simple  cap  of  proper  size  may 


Fig.    35. — QUINBT   FRAMES   AND  BOXES   IN   CLAMPS. 

be  made.     Let  it  be  well  put  together,  with  the  top  pro- 
jecting y^  in.  over,  on  all  sides. 

If  preferred,  this  may  be  placed  over  the  boxes,  when 
they  are  on  the  top  of  the  frames. 


COMPLETE    NEW   QUINBY   HIVE. 

■  The  complete  hive,  full  size,  is  made  as  follows  :  The 
outer  case  should  be  made  of  l-m.  pme  lumber,  dressed 
down  on  both  sides  to  '/^  in.  thick.  T)ie  bottom-board 
IS  Sr/^Xlsy,  m.     It  should  be  made  of  matched  boards 


110 


HIVES   AND    BOXES. 


one-third  as  wide  as  the  desired  length  of  the  bottom- 
board.  Let  two  pieces  be  18'/^  in.  long,  and  two  others 
7  in.  The  cleats  should  be  Ixl'/^  in.,  and  2  in.  square, 
respectively,  and  27'/^  in.  in  length.  The  ventilator,  and 
support  for  the  frames  are  arranged  precisely  as  in  the 
small  bottom-board. 

It  would  be  well  to  omit  cutting  the  channel  over 
which  the  hoop  iron  projects  to  support  the  frames,  with- 
in Yp  in.  of  each  edge,  Avhich  may  readily  be  done  when 
using  machinery,  but  if  cut  with  a  hand  plane,  it  must 


Fig.  3(5. — LARGE  BOTTOM  BOARD,  WITH  FRAME. 

be  cut  through,  and  the  space  afterwards  carefully  filled 
with  wood  or  leather.  Let  the  hoop-iron  come  short  also, 
one  inch.  The  entrance  should  be  divided  in  two  parts, 
as  directed.  Bore  two  "/^  in.  holes,  one  in  the  center  of 
each  end,  to  receive  dowel  pins  (fig.  36). 

The  sides,  or  front  and  back,  are  27'/,  in.  long,  and  18 
in.  wide.  On  the  inside  corners  of  the  ends  cut  a  rabbet 
Yg  in.  deep  by  Ye  in.  wiie,  in  which  to  fit  the  ends,  which 
are  1 7 Ye  X 18  in. 

Both  ends  and  sides  should  be  of  matched  lumber,  as 
they  will  be  less  liable  to  check  than  if  made  of  one  piece. 
Each  part  should  be  cleated  two  inches  from  each  end, 
Avith  cleats  2  in.  wide,  Ya  thick,  and  17  in.  long.     Nail 


HIVES    AND    BOXES. 


Ill 


them  on  even  with  the  bottom,  leaving  the  space  of  one 
inch  at  top,  to  receive  the  lid.  In  the  center  of  the  bot- 
tom of  the  end  pieces,  put  in  an  iron  dowel-pin  made  of 
y^  in.  round  iron,  long  enough  to  reach  into  the  holes  in 
the  bottom-board. 

The  top,  or  lid,  when  completed,  should  be  297^x20'/, 
in.     It  is  preferable  that  it  consist  of  three  pieces,  but 
two  will  do.     Cut  them 
long,    and   so 


397,   in. 

that  they  will  make  a 
width  of  19  in.  Two 
pieces  19  in.  long,  1'/, 
in.  wide,  and  '/,  in.  thick 
should  be  nailed  flatAvise 
on  the  under  side  at  each 
end.  Two  other  strips 
297,  in.  long,  T/,  in. 
wide,  by  '' / ^  in.  thick,  are 
to  be  nailed  at  the  sides, 
which  forms  the  entire 
rim  of  the  lid.  The  cor- 
ners of  the  hive  are  held 
together  by  an  appliance 
designed  for  the  purpose 
by  Mr.  Quinby,  and  known  as  the  *'Quinby  Hive 
Clasp  "  (fig.  37).  It  will  be  found  admirable  to  us3  on 
any  hive,  as  nailing  is  avoided,  and  strength  and  solidity 
secured.  At  the  same  time  hives  can  be  readily  taken 
apart  for  examination,  or  to  pack  away  when  not  in  use. 
With  the  required  number  of  frames  in  the  center,  and 
space  for  boxes  at  sides  and  top,  the  hive  is  now  ready  to 
set  up  (fig.  38). 

POSITIOISr   OF   THE   FRAiTES. 

The  question  often  arises  as  to  whether  the  frames 
should  stand  at  right  angles  to.  or  parallel  with  the  front 


Fig.   37.— QTJINBT  HIVE   CLASP. 


112  HIVES   AND   BOXES. 

of  the  hive.  The  preference  of  most  of  our  leading  bee- 
keepers seems  to  be  to  have  them  run  from  front  to  rear, 
yet  there  are  good  arguments  in  favor  of  the  other  direc- 
tion. The  bees  must,  of  necessity,  pass  more  readily  into 
side  boxes  with  frames  from  side  to  side,  and  the  boxes 
will  also  receive  more  uniform  warmth  from  the  brood- 
chamber.     Several  very  practical  hives  are  constructed  in 


Fig.  33. — QuiNBr  nivE,  with  roof. 

this  manner,  yet  if  the  frames  are  short,  it  will  take  about 
one-third  more  in  number  to  fill  the  same  space,  thus  in- 
creasing the  labor  when  much  handling  is  to  be  done. 
Yet,  all  points  well  considered,  I  prefer  them  the  other 
way. 

STANDS    FOR    HIVES. 

The  question  of  stands  has  been  productive  of  almost 
as  much  discussion  as  that  of  hives.  Every  form  has  been 
advocated,  from  those  elevated  several  feet,  to  those  rest- 
ing directly  on  the  ground  ;  some  even  gomg  so  far  as  to 
set  their  hives  close  to  the  earth,  without  cleats  under  the 
bottom-board,  and  in  warm,  dry  wcatlier,  even  removing 


HIVErf    AND   BOXES. 


113 


that,  claiming  that  the  cool  ground  assisted  in  lowering 
the  temperature  of  the  hive,  which  is  undoubtedly  true. 
As  is  almost  always  the  case,  some  good  reasons  may  be 
presented  in  favor  of  each  practice.  After  due  experi- 
ence, I  find  nothing  better  than  simple  pieces  of  4x4 
scantling,  the  same  length  as  the  cleats  of  the  bottom- 
board.  One  of  these  at  front  and  rear  of  each  hive,  will 
make  as  good  a  stand  as  can  be  desired. 

ALIGHTING    BOAKDS. 

A  board  one  foot  wide  and  as  long  as  the  width  of  the 
hive,  bevelled  on  one  edge,  so  as  to  fit  snugly  below  the 
entrance,  and  slanting  to  the  ground,  makes  a  good 
alighting  board.  It  may  be  hooked  to  the  bottom-board, 
or  a  wooden  pin  may  be  driven  into  the  ground  at  the 
lower  edge.  Some  practical  means  of  assisting  the  bees 
to  gain  the  entrance  is  very  essential.     (See  fig.  38.) 

Many  extend  the  bottom-board  a  few  inches  in  front 
for  this  purpose,  but  I  do  not  regard  it  with  favor,  as  it 
occupies  more  room  in  winter  quarters,  and  in  transpor- 
tation.    It  is  likewise  less  convenient  to  handle. 


EOOFS. 

A  good  roof  is  an  absolute  necessity.  The  material 
should  be  of  good  quality.  There  are  two  forms  of  roof 
which  I  find  suitable 
and  convenient.  The 
size  should  vary  ac- 
cording to  the  size  of 
the  hive,  and  should 
project  over  all  sides, 
at  least  three  inches. 


FijX.    39. — HOOP   FOR   HIVE. 


If  made  according  to  fig.  38,  the  pieces  on  which  the 
boards  rest  to  give  the  pitch  should  be  just  far  enough 


114  HIVES  AND  BOXES. 

apart  to  set  over  each  end  of  the  hive.      The  hmiber 
should  be  '/g  in.  thick. 

The  second  form  may  be  made  of  \i^  in.  boards,  fig.  39. 
In  i^utting  roofs  together  wherever  one  piece  joins  an- 
other, they  should  be  first  painted,  and  when  finished, 
should  receive  a  good  coat  of  paint,  and  as  often  after  as 
may  be  needed. 

PAINTING     HIVES. 

The  principal  reason  why  hives  should  be  painted  is, 
that  it  gives  a  cheerful  and  tidy  appearance  to  the  apiary. 
If  hives  are  well  painted  it  should  induce  those  who  are 
operating  with  them  to  handle  them  with  more  cai'c. 
Paint  will  also  assist  in  preserving  hives  when  exposed  to 
the  weather.  Nevertheless,  painting  has  its  manifest  dis- 
advantages. I  have  always  kept  both  painted  and  un- 
painted  hives  in  my  apiary,  and  am  fully  convinced  that 
the  closing  of  the  pores  of  the  wood  is  fi'equently  very 
detrimental.  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  the  rays  of  the 
sun  are  not  so  readily  absorbed,  and  that  moisture  is  re- 
tained, which,  without  paint,  will  pass  off  through  the 
pores  of  the  wood,  leaving  the  interior  of  the  hive  in  a 
much  more  wholesome  condition. 

In  this  as  in  all  kindred  matters  the  bee-keeper  must 
make  his  own  experiments,  and  form  his  own  conclusions. 
There  is  less  objection  to  painting  the  standing-frame 
hive  than  some  others,  as  the  case  or  top  may  at  any  time 
be  removed  without  disturbing  the  brood-nest,  and  the 
inside  thoroughly  Avarmed  and  dried  ;  also  from  the  con- 
struction of  the  case  there  is  a  better  opportunity  for  the 
moisture  to  escape,  than  where  the  parts  are  firmly  nailed 
together.  Hives  should  always  be  painted  as  long  before 
using  as  possible,  to  free  them  from  any  odor,  objection- 
able to  the  bees,  and  they  should  be  in  light  colors. 

In  view  of  the  frequent  exchange  of  hives  in  the  same 
apiary,  I  would  suggest  that  they  be  painted  of  some  uni* 


HIVES  AND   BOXES.  115 

form  shade ;  and  the  desired*  variation  in  color,  which 
assists  the  bee  in  identifying  the  spot  can  be  secured  by 
different  colored  roofs,  which  need  not  be  changed. 

ACCUEACY   ESSENTIAL. 

In  concluding  this  to^Dic,  let  me  urge  that  whatever  the 
form  of  hive  to  be  used,  they  be  most  thoroughly  made. 
It  will  be  noticed  that  in  the  dimensions  of  the  New 
Quinby  hive,  figures  are  given  as  closely  as  '/j^  inch.  At 
first  thought,  these  may  seem  too  minute  points  for  the 
average  bee-keeper  to  observe.  But  let  me  say  that  this 
may  prove  the  initial  lesson  in  the  necessity  for  attention 
to  minor  details,  for  it  is  unquestionable  that  success  in 
bee-keeping  depends  upon  habits  of  cai'cful  attention  to 
little  things.  Begin  then  with  thoroughly,  and  accurately 
made  hives.  All  hives  in  the  same  apiary  should  be  pre- 
cisely alike,  so  that  all  parts  are  interchangeable.  One  of 
the  preeminent  merits  of  the  movable-comb  hive,  is  in 
this  facility  for  exchanging  combs  of  honey  and  brood, 
for  the  purpose  of   equalizing  strong  and  weak  colonies. 

The  most  extensive  apiarian  of  this  country,  J.  E. 
Hetherington,  is  using  850  of  the  New  Quinby  hives,  and 
all  are  manufactured  with  admirable  accuracy.  It  is  not 
strange  that  with  this  disposition  and  ability  for  perfect 
mechanical  work  in  the  construction  of  his  hives  and 
innumerable  fixtures,  he  should  reap  noticeable  success 
in  his  favorite  pursuit. 

Reliable  dealers  will  often  furnish  bee-hive  materials, 
accurately  cut,  at  much  lower  rates  than  a  person  with 
less  mechanical  facilities  can  prepare  them  for  himself. 

HONEY  BOXES. 

Three  important  considerations  are  apparent  in  deter- 
mining the  kind  of  box  to  be  used.  First,  that  it  is 
sufficiently  practical  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  bee-keeper] 


116  HIVES   AND    BOXES. 

second,  it  must  in  form  and  convenience  meet  the  de- 
mands of  the  dealer ;  and,  third,  that  it  present  an  at- 
tractive appearance  to  the  consumer.  As  there  are  many 
forms  equally  practical  for  the  producer,  it  remains  to 
inquire  what  the  market  demands.  This  question  will 
be  answered  variously  in  different  markets. 

In  New  York  City,  all  styles  can  be  sold,  from  the  large 
wooden  box  on  which  tare  is  allowed,  to  the  dainty  one- 
comb  section  box  now  becoming  so  popular.  If  a  home 
trade,  or  local  market  is  to  be  consulted,  a  very  different 
box,  may,  in  most  cases,  be  used.  Every  bee-keeper  will 
decide  these  questions  according  to  the  demand.  What- 
ever the  form  designed  for  the  grocery  trade,  it  must  be 
one  that  can  bo  handled  without  bruising  the  combs,  or 
injuring  the  capping,  rendering  it  untidy,  and  soiling 
everything  with  which  it  comes  in  contact.  The  honey 
trade  has  already  been  much  injured  by  the  use  of  an  un- 
suitable box. 

SECTION-FRAMES   OBJECTIONABLE. 

For  the  past  few  years,  section-frames  as  used  by 
several  leading  bee-keepers,  have  been  sold  largely 
through  the  Mohawk  Valley.  I  have  watched  the  re- 
sult with  much  interest.  These  frames,  holding  about 
a  pound  and  a  half  each,  are  arranged  side  by  side  in 
rows  of  8  or  10,  with  a  glass  at  the  two  outer  sides. 
There  being  no  separators  between  them,  the  combs  are 
not  built  true  in  each  frame,  but  are  often  attached  at 
the  edges  to  the  diff'oront  frames.  In  handung  and  de- 
livering tliem,  the  sides  are  necessarily  exposed,  and 
easily  bruised  ;  and  in  retailing,  the  sections  are  broken 
apart,  which  frequently  involves  breaking  the  cells,  even 
when  the  combs  are  straight,  thus  presenting  some  very 
objectionable  features  to  the  dealer  and  consumer. 

I  have  seen  honey  offered  for  sale  in  this  shape,  when  it 
was  necessary  to  set  the  frames  in  a  shallow  dish  to  catch 


HIVES   AXD    BOXES.  J.  17 

the  drainage,  and  any  one  can  easily  imagine  its  sticky, 
unattractive  condition.  A  customer  will  often  take  a 
number  of  smaller  boxes,  in  spite  of  the  extra  glass, 
rather  than  one  large  one,  in  order  to  avoid  the  leakage 
caused  by  removing  one  comb  at  a  time,  as  wanted. 

It  also  is  open  to  the  very  serious  objection  of  attract- 
ing marauding  bees,  as  the  season  of  the  year  precludes 
their  being  otherwise  busy.  I  have  known  grocers  to  be 
so  seriously  annoyed  in  this  way  as  to  be  obliged  to  close 
their  stores.  It  is  very  difficult  to  sell  honey  to  parties 
who  have  handled  it  in  such  an  undesirable  shape. 

This  is  a  matter  of  importance.  I  am  not  speaking 
from  limited  knowledge,  but  from  extensive  observation. 
We  must  look  well  to  the  causes  that  operate  against  the 
sale  of  honey. 

TWO-COMB    BOXES. 

Very  many  forms  of  two-comb  boxes  have  been  in  use 
for  a  long  time,  with  more  or  less  desirable  features.  I 
shall  describe  but  one,  which  recent  experience  commends 
as  exceedingly  practicable.  In  describing  this  box,  I  shall 
consider  the  size  to  be  used  on  the  Quinby  hive,  and 
weighing  5  lbs.  when  filled. 

The  top  and  bottom  are  made  of  pine,  '/^  in.  thick,  6'/^  in. 
long,  by  4'/^  in.  wide.  These  are  designed  to  set  at  right 
angles  to  the  frames,  both  at  top  and  sides. 
Three  V/\  in.  holes  are  made  in  the  bottom. 
The  posts  at  each  corner  are  Yg  in.  square, 
and  5  in.  high.  This  constitutes  the  entire 
p      I    wood-work  of    the    box.     TThen   nailed  to- 

I    I    gether,  the  outside  of  the  posts  should  stand 

Fig.  40.       Vg   in-    in  from   the   corner,  so   that   when 

TIN  FOB  COR-  packed   closely  together,   there  will  be  less 

danger  of  breakage.    The  glass  ic  held  in  place 

by  tins,  driven  diagonally  through  the  center  of  the  post, 

and  clinched,  (fig.  40).     It  will  be  seen  that  these  tins 


118 


HIVES  AND   BOXES. 


allow  the  glass  to  be  taken  from  the  sides  of  the  box  and 
returned,  even  when  the  box  is  filled  with  honey.  Glass 
for  the  sides  is  5  X  6  inches.  If  desired  to  use  only  top 
boxes,  both  end-glasses  may  be  alike,  and  cut  4x5  inches. 
In  practice,  it  will  be  found  that  boxes  to  be  used  at 
sides  and  top,  should  be  exactly  alike,  as  at  times  it  be- 
comes necessary  to  place  those  that  are  partly  filled  at  the 
sides,  on  the  top  to  be  finished,  and  vice  versa ;  hence 
all  boxes  should  have  both  end  and  bottom  entrance. 
For  this  purpose,  let  one  end-glass  be  cut  2x5  in., 
and  secured  at  top  and  bottom  with  glue.  This  leaves 
a  space  of  over  '/,  in.  at  each  side,  for  an  entrance,  when 


Fi!?.  41a.— TWO-COMB  box. 


Fiff.    416.— HONEY   BOARD. 


placed  at  the  sides  of  the  combs,  and  permits  a  passage 
from  box  to  box,  when  these  ends  are  placed  together  on 
the  top.  Guides  of  clean  white  comb  are  indispensable. 
Holes  should  be  made  for  nails  to  prevent  splitting. 
(Fig  41,  a.) 

BLOCK   FOR   SETTING    UP   BOXES. 

For  this,  use  1-inch  basswood  lumber.  It  is  a  box  5 
in.  high  and  '/,  in.  smaller  each  way  inside,  than  the  out- 
side measure  of  the  honey-box.  Before  nailing  the  bot- 
tom on  the  block,  saw  y,  in.  from  each  inside  corner  out- 
wardly, on  an  exact  mitre.  This  is  to  receive  the  tins 
that  are  in  the  posts.  Slight  steel-wire  springs  should 
be  used  to  hold  each  post  in  position  until  nailed.  On  the 
upper  edge  of  each  of  the  four  sides,  nail  a  narrow,  thin 
strip  '/g  in.  from  the  inside  edge,  to  hold  the  bottom  of  the 


HIVES   AND   BOXES. 


119 


box  in  exact  position  over  the  posts,  for  nailing.  This 
completes  the  block.  The  inside  of  one  corner  of  such  a 
block  is  shown  in  fig.  42.  Now,  to  put  the  box  together, 
place  a  post  in  each  corner  of  the  block,  lay  the  bottom 
in  place,  and  nail  each  corner  with  inch-finishing  nails. 
If  the  springs  for  holding  the  posts  are  properly  arrang- 
ed, the  four  posts  may  be  drawn  from  the  block,  by  tbe 
bottom.  To  complete  the  box,  an  arrangement  is  used 
like  fig.  43.  To  make  this,  take  a  piece  of  inch  board  a 
foot  long,  and  8  in.  wide,  for  a  base.  Near  one  corner 
make  a  standard  5'/,^  in.  high,  of  two  pieces  1  in.  thick, 
4  in.  and  2  in.  wide  respectively.     Nail  them  together  at 


iug.  42. 

BLOCK  FOB  SETTING   UP  BOXES. 


Fig.  43. 

STANDARD  FOR  TOPS  OF  BOXES. 


right  angles,  after  having  cut  a  slot  '/^  in.  deep  at  the 
bottom,  to  receive  the  bottom  of  the  box.  Nail  thin 
strips  on  the  top,  the  same  as  on  the  block.  In  the  center 
of  the  corner,  bore  an  inch  hole  to  receive  the  tin  in  the 
post.  Lay  the  box  as  taken  from  the  block,  against  this 
corner,  bottom  down,  place  the  top  on  it,  and  nail  each 
corner.  At  this  point  it  will  be  found  that  the  top  does 
not  rest  snugly  against  the  ends  of  the  posts.  It  is  left 
y,g  in.  away,  to  allow  the  glass  to  be  more  readily  put  in 
place.  This  should  now  be  done,  and  the  glass  secured 
by  the  tins,  bent  over  each  way.  The  guide  combs 
should  be  put  in  before  the  glass  is  in  place.  After  all 
the  glass  is  in,  except  the  narrow  end,  place  the  box  on 
a  smooth,  solid  metal  surface,  and  drive  the  nails  snug. 


130  HIVfiS   AND   BOXES. 

Now,  put  in  the  narrow  piece  with  gUie,  and  the  box  is 
complete.  If  the  work  is  properly  done  in  all  its  parts, 
this  makes  a  neat,  strong,  and  desirable  box. 

A  honey-board  y^  in.  thick  is  placed  between  the 
boxes  and  the  top  of  the  frames,  having  holes  bored  in  it, 
to  correspond  to  the  holes  in  the  boxes.  (See  fig.  41  h. ) 
If  used  at  the  sides,  in  the  large  case,  they  may  bo  ar- 
ranged in  two  rows  upon  a  board  the  length  of  the  frame, 
and  as  wide  as  the  length  of  the  box,  with  the  open  end 
next  to  the  comb. 

When  the  Quinby  frames  are  used  without  the  case, 
these  boxes  may  be  placed  at  both  top  and  side,  by  en- 
closing them  in  a  thin  case  to  exclude  the  light. 

SINGLE   COMB,    OR   ?E  T.'OX   BOXES. 

The  most  popular  box  of  the  day  is  the  one-comb,  or 
section-box,  varying  in  size  from  4x4  to  6x7;  the  size 
most  largely  used,  taking  5xG  glass,  and  known  as  the 
"  Prize  Box,"  being  5'/^  X  6'/,  in.  That  which  I  prefer  is 
5'/^  in.  outside  measure,  taking  glass  5x5.  In  preferring 
a  box  of  these  dimensions,  I  do  not  lose  sight  of  the  fact 
that  there  is  a  disadvantage  in  it.  Those  using  a  still 
Fmaller  size  should  notice  these  objections.  It  is  well  es- 
tablished, that  the  larger  the  boxes,  the  more  honey  will 
be  proportionally  secured-  As  a  rule,  I  should  expect  to 
have  as  many  5x6  boxes  filled  in  a  given  time  as  if  they 
were  5x5.  If  this  be  true,  we  who  uce  the  smaller  boxes, 
are  losing  more  in  amount  than  Ave  shall  gain  in  extra 
prices.  The  same  idea  has  a  bearing  upon  the  thickness 
of  the  box.  An  addition  of  '/^  in.  to  the  thickness  of  a 
comb  would  increase  the  weight  very  materially,  yet  it 
Avould  be  filled  with  very  little  more  labor  to  the  bees,  and 
finished,  wlien  fresh  boxes  added  would  not  be  occupied. 
I  have  used  sections  varying  in  width  from  ly,  in.  to  2y, 
ui.,  but  have  adoj>tcd  one  'i>  in.  wide,  as  best  suited  to  my 


HIVES  a:sd  boxes. 


121 


Fig.  «. 

TIN    POINT    FOR 
rSG  GLASS 


purpose.  One  cause  of  this  preference  is,  that  as  they 
axe  ordinarily  filled,  I  can  assort  them,  in  packing  for 
market,  in  cases  of  3,  6,  and  12  boxes  each,  and  make 
them  net  weights  of  5,  10,  and  20  lbs.  to  the  case.  With 
me,  this  is  a  desirable  point.  Furthermore,  these  smaller 
combs  are  loss  liable  to  break  down  during  transportation 
than  larger  and  heavier  ones. 

CONSTRUCTION    OF    SECTIOX    BOX. 

This  size  may  be  made  by  cutting  two  pieces  '/^  in. 

thick,  5'/^  in.  long,  and  2  in.  wide ;  and  two  more  y^  in. 
thick,  5  in.  long,  and  V/^  in.  wide. 
This  will  make  a  box  5'/^  in.  square, 
(fig.  -45).  It  should  be  nailed  together 
with  y^-inch  cigar-box  nails.  The 
HOLD-  y  .in,  space  on  each  side  of  the  narrow 
piece  is  to  receive  the  glass  which  is 

fastened  with  tin  points,  cut  for  the  purpose  (fig.  44), 

driven  in  the  wood, 

and  bent  down  over 

the  edge  of  the  glass. 

These  tm    points 

may  either  be  driven 

in,  and   bent   down 

before  the  boxes  are 

filled,  or  left  until 

afterwards,    if    pre-  Fi.^.  45.-sectio>- boxes. 

ferred.  There  is  somethins:  to  recommend  each  method. 
It  is  impracticable  to  require  the 
bees  to  fill  the  sections  after  they 
are  glassed.  In  nailing  section- 
boxes  together,  it  will  be  conve- 
nient to  use  a  form  for  the  pur- 
pose. By  its  use  each  piece  is 
held  in  its  proper  jjosition,  and 

the  boxes  pat  together  very  rapidly  (fig.  46). 
6 


Fig.  46. — FOKM  FOR  MAKING 
SECTION   BOXES. 


123  HIVES  AXD   BOXES. 

GUIDE    COMBS. 

Guides  of  nice,  white  comb  should  be  glued  in  the  top 
of  each  box,  to  induce  the  bees  to  begin  work,  as  well  as 
to  secure  straight  combs.  I  find  nothing  better  for  this 
purpose  than  white  glue.  Drone  comb  is  preferable  to 
worker  comb  for  guides,  from  the  fact  that  the  bees  are 
more  apt  to  store  pollen  in  worker  comb.  This  is  objec- 
tionable in  itself,  and  also  moth- worms  are  more  likely  to 
infest  boxes  in  which  pollen  is  found.  Worker  comb, 
however,  usually  gives  the  honey  a  finer  appearance. 

SEPARATOES. 

The  boxes  should  be  arranged  in  a  case,  or  clamp,  with 

separators  or  panels  between  them,  to  insure  the  accuracy 

of  the  combs,  so  that  they  may  be  glassed  readily,  after 

being  filled.     These  sepai'ators  may  be 

of  tin  or  wood,  as  preferred.     I  have 

used  the  one  I  will  now  describe  with 

success.    Cut  a  piece  of  V,8-in.  board  y^ 

in.  smaller  than  the  mside  measure  of 

the    box.       In    each    end,    a    saw-kerf 

should  be  cut  y^  in.  deep,  with  a  very 

Fig.  47.  ^jjjjj  g^-jy_    Q^^  ^^Q  strij)S  of  tm,  scant 

Sy,  in.  long  and  y^  in.  wide.  Fasten 
these  in  the  saw-kerfs,  letting  the  ends  project  equally 
beyond  the  edges  of  the  panel.  Attach  separator  to  box  m 
such  a  manner  that  the  apertures  will  be  equal  at  all 
sides  (fig.  47).  Only  one  is  used  on  each  box.  A  cheaper 
panel,  which  involves  less  labor,  and  works  equally  well^ 
may  be  made  to  reach  the  width  of  the  clamp,  covering 
two  boxes.  The  length  of  the  panel  should  be  equal  to 
the  width  of  two  boxes,  and  its  width  should  correspond 
to  their  hight.  It  should  be  y.^  in.  thick.  For  an  open- 
ing for  the  bees  to  pass  from  box  to  box,  cut  away  the 
panel,  as  shown  m  fig.  48.     The  aperture  should  not  be 


r 

1 

^ 

"-^^  _ 

;;:- 

= — _= 

.  -^---1.- 

u 

U 

HIVES  AND   BOXES. 


123 


Fisr.   48.— SEPAEATOB. 


more  than  '/^  in.,  measuring  from  the  inside  edge  of  the 
box.  It  will  be  seen  that  with  this  arrangement  the  bees 
are  able  to  pass  in,  on  but  two  sides  of  the  panel.  This 
is  considered  by  many  to  present  some  advantages.  "With 
this  panel,  each  clamp  will  contain  but  14  boxes,  while 
with  tbe  preceding  one  it  will  hold  10  boxes.  I  prefer 
the  latter  separator,  as  it 
enlarges  the  entrance  by 
spreading  the  boxes,  and 
I  do  not  consider  '/^  in. 
between  the  boxes  an  am- 
ple entrance.  It  will  bo 
seen  that  by  making  the 
panels  '/^^  in.  thick,  it  gives  an  opening  of  y,^  in. 
Many  of  our  best  bee-keepers  use  only  a  '/^  in.  entrance, 
and  I  should  not  speak  so  positively,  were  it  not  that  I 
have  tested  it  very  thoroughly  and  proved  the  superiority 
of  the  larger  passage.  I  have  arranged  the  width  of  box, 
and  separators,  with  reference  to  the  use  of  the  clamp,  at 
either  top  or  sides,  by  placing  the  guides  in  proper  position. 

THE    CLAMP. 

This  is  made  by  nailing  two  sides  and  one  end  of  the 

right  size,  sub- 
stantially, and  a 
strip  y^  m.  deep- 
across  the  l)ottom 
of  the  other  end. 
The  hight  should 
be  the  same  as 
that  of  the  boxes. 
Nail  a  strip  of 
l-mch  hoop-iron 
lengthwise  at  each 
edge  of  the  bot- 
tom, and  parallel  with  them ;    at  the  center,  a  piece  of 


Fie;.  49. — empty  clamp. 


124 


HIVES   AND   BOXES. 


1-in.  band-iron  should  be  secured  at  eacli  end  with  screws. 
The  boxes  are  to  rest  upon  these  irons.     A  movable  piece 

of  board  should  lit  the 

incomplete  end,  to  be 

held  in  place  by  two 

hooks  (fig.  49).     The 

boxes  should  be  in  two 

rows,  with  7  or  8  in 

each  row,  according  to 

^^  the  panel  or  separator 

-^0^^  UGcd  (fig.  50).   A  panel 

"~  as  used  at  the  sides  of 

Fig.   50.-CLAMP  FILLED  WITH  BOXES.        ^J^g       f^.^^^^gg       ^.^^.      ^^ 

placed  over  the  top  of  the  clamp,  and  secured  by  hooks. 

This  manner  of  arranging  boxes  m  clamps  will  be  found 

serviceable    in    many    ways. 

The  boxes  may  be  prepared 

in  the  winter  and  packed  in 

them,  where  they  will  not  be 

exposed  to  the  light,   or  m 

danger  of  being  soiled.    "When 

ready  to  put  upon  the  hives, 

they  are  much  more  expedi- 
tiously handled  than  the  large 

two-comb  Boxes,  which  must  be  adjusted   one  by  one. 

Boxes  at  the  outside,  but  partially  filled,  may  be  ex- 
changed with  those 
at  the  ceuter,  when 
all  will  be  com- 
pleted at  nearly 
the  same  time. 
"When  filled,  a  large 
portion     may     be 

kept  in  the  clamps,  free  from  dirt  and  dust,  until  ready 

to  prepare  tor  market.     Side  boxes  are  used  by  some  in 

the  hanging-frame  hive,  by  placing  them  m  a  frame,  aa 


Fig.  51. 

FRAME   CONTAINING   SIX  BOXES. 


Fig     52. — FKAME   CONTAINING   THREE   BOXES. 


TRANSFERRING.  125 

shown  Id  fig.  51,  and  suspending  them  at  the  outside  of 
the  brood-combs.  Others  arrange  them  in  a  frame,  like 
fig.  52,  and  susjjend  them  in  a  clamp  on  the  top. 


CHAPTER    VII. 
TRANSFERRING. 


The  process  of  transferring  combs  from  a  box-hive  to 
movable  frames  appears  about  as  formidable  to  a  novice 
as  any  of  the  operations  of  the  apiary.  But  many  ob- 
stacles dwindle,  and  become  comparatively  insignificant 
when  boldly  approached,  so  a  little  resolution  soon 
shows  the  timid  apiarian  that  this  is  not  nearly  so  serious 
an  undertaking  as  it  appears  to  be. 

ADVANTAGES. 

The  advantages  to  be  gained  do  not  lie  solely  in  the  ex- 
change of  a  box-hive,  for  the  convenience  of  movable 
combs,  although  that  is,  of  course,  the  primary  object. 
With  the  exception  of  the  use  of  comb  foundation,  there 
is  probably  no  other  way  of  securing  straight,  even  worker- 
combs  so  satisfactorily  as  by  transferring.  The  control 
it  gives  over  the  production  of  useless  drones  by  the  re- 
jection of  drone-comb  is  an  item  of  signal  importance. 
The  moth- worm  may  be  readily  dislodged  from  any  por- 
tion of  the  hives,  and  combs  that  are  too  old,  or  other- 
wise objectionable,  may  be  discarded.  The  mere  fact  of 
the  change  alone  often  seems  to  impel  the  bees  to  work 
with  greater  energy  and  vigor.  By  purchasing  bees  in 
bax-hives,  and  transferring  to  movable  frames,  an  apiary 
can  usually  be  stocked  at  less  expense  than  if  the  bees  are 
bought  already  in  movable  combs. 


136 


TltANSFEliUINa. 


TIME   TO   TRANSFER. 

Experience  indicates  that  there  is  no  better  time  for 
transferring  than  Just  as  apple-trees  begin  to  blossom. 
The  benefits  derived  from  the  operation,  as  mentioned 
above,  show  that  a  period  when  there  is  the  least  honey 
and  brood  in  the  combs  is  naturally  the  most  desirable. 
As  the  bees  are  beginning  to  gather  honey,  they  are  less 
liable  to  rob,  and  the  combs  are  more  readily  repaired  and 
fastened  in  the  frames.  It  is  practicable  at  any  time  when 
honey  is  being  collected.  But  the  greater  the  quantity  of 
honey  and  brood  present,  the  more  care  is  required  in  the 
process. 

PRELIMINARIES. 

Have  the  following  articles  in  readiness  :  A  transfer- 
ring board,  about  the  size  of  the  frame,  with  cleats  2  in. 
square  under  each  end.     Grooves  '/,  in.  wide  and  '/,  in. 

deep,  should  be 
made  at  intervals 
of  about  2  inches 
across  the  board. 
Cushion  the  sur- 
faces between 
these  grooves  by 
tacking  on  sev- 
Fig.  53.— TRANSFERiiisG  BOARD.  eral    thickucsses 

of  cloth,  to  prevent  injury  to  the  brood  when  the  comb 
is  laid  upon  it  (fig.  53).  Transferring  sticks  for  holding 
the  combs  in  place 
should  be  '/,  in. 
square  and  y^  in. 
longer  than  the 
depth  of  the  frame.  Fasten  two  sticks  together  at  one  end 
with  a  piece  of  fine,  annealed  wire,  long  enough  to  bring 
them  about  one  inch  apart.  Attach  a  piece  of  wire  to 
the  other  end  of  one  of  these  sticks,  leaving  one  end  of 


=* 


Fig.   54. — TRANSFERRING  STICKS. 


TRANSFERRING.  1"^7 

the  wire  loose  (fig.  54).     In  this  way  the  sticks  are  iu 
pairs  ready  for  use. 

A  smoker,  a  long,  sharp,  thin-bladed  knife,  a  chisel,  an 
axe  or  hatchet,  a  small  common  hand-saw,  a  small  wing, 
and  a  dish  of  water,  will  complete  the  outfit. 

PROCESS. 

The  operation  should  be  performed  in  a  room  with  all 
the  windows  but  one  darkened.  The  hire  to  which  the 
bees  are-  to  be  transferred  should  be  placed  under  this 
window  in  such  a  position  that  the  bees  may  be  readily 
brushed  into  it  at  the  close  of  the  operation. 

After  smoking  the  bees  slightly,  turn  the  hive  bottom 
Tip  and  place  an  empty  box  over  it  the  same  size  as  the 
hive.  By  tapping  the  hive  gently,  most  of  the  bees  will 
leave  it  and  enter  the  box  above.  When  most  of  the  bees 
are  in  the  box,  place  it  upon  the  old  stand,  raising  it  a 
little  in  front  for  the  passage  of  the  bees,  and  remove  the 
hive  containing  the  combs  to  the  room  selected.  Place 
the  hive  bottom  up  on  a  solid  block,  or  other  support, 
about  two  feet  high.  Saw  the  combs  and  cross-sticks 
loose  from  the  side,  or  sides,  you  desire  to  remove. 

If  the  combs  stand  parallel  with  the  sides,  it  will  often 
only  be  necessary  to  remove  one  side,  but  if  they  are 
diagonal  two  sides  will  need  to  be  taken  off.  If  the  grain 
of  the  wood  runs  up  and  down,  split  the  sides  in  several 
places  and  take  out  the  pieces  separately,  but  if  the  grain 
runs  across,  pry  them  off  with  a  chisel.  During  all  opera- 
tions use  care  not  to  crush  any  bees  remaining  in  the  hive. 
Upon  a  table  or  bench  near  by,  place  the  transferring- 
board.  Xow,  with  the  knife,  remove  the  outside  combs, 
brush  off  the  bees  with  a  wing  and  set  them  one  side  until 
you  come  to  one  containing  brood.  Place  this  upon  the 
board  described,  so  that  it  will  occupy  the  same  position 
as  it  did  in  the  hive,  or  if,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  it 


128 


TRANSFEKRIXQ. 


will  cut  to  better  advantage  by  turning  it  half  way  round, 
bringing  the  to])  to  the  end  of  the  frame,  this  is  allowable. 
Place  the  frame  over  the  comb  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
bring  the  ])rood  as  near  the  top  and  center  of  frame  as 
possible,  as  this  is  the  warmest  position  in  the  hive.  Cut 
the  comb  to  fit  snugly  in  this  positon.  If  the  comb  is  not 
large  enough  to  fill  the  frame,  use  from  the  combs  first 
removed  to  fill  up  with.  Push  the  free  end  of  the  trans- 
ferring sticks  through  the  grooves  where  the  combs 
need  support,  and  fasten  to  the  other  end  by  winding  the 
end  of  the  wire  tightly  around  it,  which  will  hold  the 
comb  firmlv  in  ])lace.     Use  a  sufficient  number  of  sticks 

1 


"^m. 


TKANSFEUUED    COMBS. 


to  secure  it  properly.  Do  not  let  them  cross  the  brood 
any  more  than  is  absolutely  necessary  (fig.  55),  Place 
the  frame  in  the  hive  it  is  to  occupy,  and  proceed  with  the 
next  brood-comb  in  the  same  manner.  Let  them  occupy 
the  same  relative  position  as  before,  keeping  the  brood  as 
compact  as  possible. 

If  there  are  combs  without  brood  sufficient  to  fill  one 
or  more  frames,  place  them  at  the  outside,  with  tiie 
brood-combs  at  the  center.  Cut  off  all  round,  finished 
edg3s,  and  avoid  cutting  the  combs  to  waste  ;  all  pieces  of 
dry  comb  too  small  for  use  should  be  kei)t  for  beeswax. 
Drone-comb  should  be  reserved  ;  if  white,  save  it  for 
guides  in  surplus  boxes  ;  if  dark,  put  it  in  frames  for  ex- 
tracting, A  dish  should  be  at  hand  to  receive  such  por- 
tions of  comb-honey  as  are  not  put  in  the  frames. 

Brush  all  bees  from  the  window  into  the  hive,  with  a 


QUEENS.  129 

damp  wing,  and  take  to  the  old  position  on  the  stand. 
Empty  the  bees  from  the  box,  in  front  of  the  hive,  and 
see  that  all  enter.  Contract  the  entrance,  and  in  all  ways 
prevent  robbing.  A  little  honey  left  on  the  outside  might 
excite  plundering,  and  the  colony  is  not  now  m  good  con- 
dition to  repel  attacks.  If  they  are  strong,  the  bees  will 
soon  join  all  the  parts,  and  fasten  all  the  combs  securely 
to  the  frames,  when  the  sticks  may  be  taken  off  and  laid 
aAvay  for  future  use.  For  their  first  experiments  in  this 
direction  beginners  should  select  a  hive  with  old,  tough, 
and  straight  combs. 

Capt.  Hethermgton  prepares  his  frames  for  transfer- 
Ang,  by  boring  holes  through  all  four  sides  of  the  frame, 
about  once  in  two  inches,  and  fastens  the  combs  in  place, 
by  sticking  the  thorns  of  the  red  haw  through  these  holes 
into  the  edges  of  the  comb.  As  these  are  very  tough,  and 
do  not  need  to  be  removed,  they  make  the  comb  very 
firm,  and  less  liable  to  break  out  when  handling.  He  has 
practised  this  method  very  extensively,  and  considers  it 
superior  to  any  other.  It  is  desirable  to  find  the  queen, 
if  possible,  when  driving  the  bees  into  the  box,  and  cage 
her.  After  the  transferring  is  completed,  place  the  cage 
on  top  of,  or  between  the  combs,  when  the  bees  will  more 
readily  gather  among  them.  When  they  become  quiet, 
she  mav  be  liberated. 


CHAPTER  Till. 
QUEENS. 

IMPOETAXCE    OF    SELECTING   GOOD    STOCK. 

The  prosperity  of  every  swarm  depends  very  largely  upon 
the  queen.  This  bemg  true,  too  much  importance  cannot 
bo  attached  to  the  necessity  of  keeping  each  hive  supplied 
witii  a  good  queen.   In  all  other  branches  of  stock-raising 


130  QUEENS. 

we  select  the  finest  stock  to  propagate  from,  if  we  expect 
to  secure  the  best  qualities.  AVe  also  apprehend  the  ne^ 
cessity  of  introducing  from  time  to  time,  superior  strains, 
and  of  breeding  from  parents  not  akin.  Wlio  can  fail  to 
perceive  the  injury  that  must  have  come  to  our  native 
bees  from  two  sources,  viz.,  from  being  propagated  from 
inferior  stock,  and  from  in-breeding  ? 

A  prime  consideration  then,  preliminary  to  the  proper 
rearing  of  queens,  is,  that  at  least  two  distinct  strains  of 
blood  of  best  quality  should  be  represented.  This  is. 
easily  done,  if  Italian  stock  is  to  be  raised,  by  ordering 
tested  queens  from  different  breeders,  wlio  are  known  to 
have  procured  their  stock  from  distinct  sources.  In  pur- 
chasing such  queens,  do  not  hesitate  to  pay  a  good  price 
for  a  first-class  queen.  Every  breeder  lias  queens  wbich 
he  values  at  high  prices,  and  if  you  can  secure  one  tbat  a 
reliable  dealer  considers  worth  15.00,  you  are  fortunate, 
even  when  ordinarily  good  ones  are  selling  for  $2.00. 

It  will  be  seen,  as  we  proceed,  that  the  quality  of  the 
strains  from  which  the  queens  are  to  be  reared,  may  be 
definitely  determined,  as  the  brood  used  may  be  taken 
only  from  colonies  containing  selected  queens.  But 
the  characteristics  of  the  drones  by  which  these  choice 
queens  are  to  be  fertilized,  will  be  much  more  un- 
certain. 

It  is  true  we  can  prevent  the  swarms  from  which  we 
rear  our  (juoens,  from  producing  drones,  thereby  setting 
one  obstacle  aside  ;  and  it  is  also  evident  that  we  need  not 
allow  any  but  selected  colonies  to  rear  drones,  by  remov- 
ing drone  combs,  and  destroying  such  drone  brood  as  is 
objectionable.  If  any  mature  drones  are  in  the  way, 
they  may  be  removed  as  follows  :  Cage  the  queen, 
brush  all  the  bees  from  the  combs  into  a  box,  and  place 
over  it  a  board,  Avitb  an  opening,  across  which  are 
nailed  strips  of  tin  or  zinc,  precisely  "/,,  in.  apart. 
These  openings  aviII  permit  the  workers  to  pass  into  the 


QUEEXS.  131 

hives,  which  should  be  placed  above,  containing  the  caged 
queen,  while  the  drones  are  retained  in  the  box. 

Drone  combs  may  be  supplied  to  these  chosen  colonies, 
and  the  bulk  if  not  the  wliole  of  the  drones  in  our 
apiary  be  furnished  from  such  stock.  Yet  there  are 
native,  or  inferior  bees  in  almost  every  section,  so  near, 
that  our  choice  queens  are  liable  to  be  fertilized  by  their 
drones. 

If  I  were  able  to  recommend  a  practical  method  of  se- 
curing with  certainty,  the  impregnation  of  our  queens, 
by  selected  drones,  it  would  afford  me  great  gratification. 

FERTILIZATIOJiT   IN    COXFINEilENT. 

This  subject  has  received  special  attention,  and  in  sev- 
eral instances,  success  has  been  reported.  While  associated 
with  Mr,  Quinby,  we  experimented  upon  it  thoroughly, 
Avith  the  aid  of  every  suggestion  that  had  been  given  by 
those  who  advocated  it  most  strenuously,  and  in  every  in- 
stance we  were  unsuccessful.  We  used  enclosures  of  all 
dimensions,  from  a  lamp  chimney  up  to  a  room  8  ft. 
square,  covered  at  top,  and  each  side  Avith  Avire  cloth  and 
glass,  I  have  witnessed  the  queen  as  she  came  naturally 
forth  from  the  hive  into  this  room,  and  was  surrounded 
by  drones  on  the  Aving,  yet  in  no  single  instance  did  we 
attain  the  desired  result.  But  the  fact  that  we  have  not 
been  successful  is  by  no  means  proof  of  its  impossibility. 
Many  Avho  have  experimented  m  this  direction  express 
themselves  confident  of  success. 

Prof.  Hasbrouck  of  Flatbush,  L.  I.,  in  a  paper  read 
before  the  ISTational  Convention  held  in  New  York  in  1878, 
states  that  in  many  instances  he  has  witnessed  their  mat- 
ing in  small  boxes  upon  the  top  of  his  hiA-es.  It  is,  how- 
GA-er,  so  far  from  being  uniformly  successful,  that  a  prac- 
ticable method  for  accomplishing  it  can  not  yet  be  confi- 
dently recommended,     liut  1  anticipate  the  time  when 


132  QUEEXS. 

persistent  experiment  will  overcome  present  obstacles,  and 
achieve  the  desired  result.  An  earnest  wish  may  prompt 
this  opinion,  for,  if  successful,  the  result  must  be  a  higher 
standard  of  purity,  and  an  excellence  not  otherwise  to  be 
attained. 

REARING    QUEENS. 
WHEN   TO    REAR. 

The  first  step  necessary  is  to  secure  a  supply  of  drones 
from  such  stocks  as  may  have  been  chosen  for  the  pur- 
pose. It  is  usually  better  to  select  such  swarms  the  sea- 
son previous,  furnish  them  drone  comb,  and  mark  them 
so  as  to  identify  them.  As  in  most  other  active  ojjera- 
tions  of  the  apiary,  the  time  at  which  cpieens  may  be  prof- 
itably reared,  will  vary  m  different  seasons  and  localities. 
It  will  be  seen  that  I  do  not  advocate  as  early  operations 
as  many  writers.  I  have  sometimes  succeeded  m  stimu- 
lating swarms  to  unusually  early  breeding,  but  such 
efforts  have  never  resulted  profitably. 

In  a  climate  like  Central  New  York  I  shall  not  advise 
rearing  queens  before  apple  blossoms  appear,  which  is 
here  from  the  12th  to  the  20th  of  May. 

Swarms  that  are  queenless  before  this  time  should  be 
united  with  others  that  have  queens.  Even  at  this  date 
queen-rearing  will  be  found  somewhat  vexatious,  especially 
if  the  weather  is  unfavorable,  and  the  usual  scarcity  of 
honey  follows,  as  it  Avill  necessitate  feedmg. 

The  nuclei  will  also  need  to  be  much  stronger  at  this 
time,  than  later  in  the  season.  If  it  is  desired  to  rear 
Italian  queens  at  such  times  as  native  drones  will  not  in- 
terfere, it  may  often  be  done  by  stimulating  Italian  colo- 
nies to  early  breeding  in  spring ;  or  a  native  stock  may 
have  Italian  drone-brood  given  it  towards  fall,  and  if  they 
are  kept  queenless,  they  will  keep  their  drones  late  m  the 
season,  after  the  native  drones  are  destroyed.     I  have  sue- 


QUEEXS.  13C 

ceeded  in  rearing  fine  Italian  queens  as  late  as  October, 
when  the  weather  was  very  fair,  which  were  fertilized  b^ 
such  selected  drones. 

I  think  it  wise,  as  a  rule,  not  to  attempt  to  rear  any 
great  number  of  queens  until  June,  when  the  interval  of 
scarcity  after  apple-blossoms  has  passed,  and  the  subse- 
quent flow  of  honey  has  commenced.  The  point  which  I 
desire  to  impress  is  this,  that  queen-rearing  should  be 
carried  on,  as  far  as  possible,  when  the  bees  are  gathering 
honey  most  abundantly.  There  is  probably  no  more 
auspicious  time  than  during  the  swarming  period.  I 
would  avail  myself  of  every  opportunity  to  preserve  the 
oldest  and  best  developed  queen  cells,  from  suitable  stock, 
where  preparations  had  been  made  for  swarming. 

HOW   TO    REAR    QUEENS. 

I  here  give  place  to  a  pa])er  by  M.  Quinby,  which  has 
received  the  hearty  approval  of  many  of  our  most  capable 
bee-keepers.     He  savs : 

**'***!  have  studied  well  the  conditions  that 
produce  good  queens,  as  well  as  inferior  ones,  and  I  have 
never  yet  found  a  queen  that  Avill 
duplicate  herself  on  every  occa- 
sion, unless^  it  is  one  of  the  com- 
mon variety.  I  can  count  a  few 
dozen,  perhaps,  after  which  will 
be  some  variation.  I  have  settled 
dowTi  pretty  much  on  one  system  : 

"First,  make  a  nucleus  box, 
five  inches  wide,  seven  inches 
long,  and  six  inches  high,  hold- 

■i-nrr       of      ^^^-,^■       +1 U        /£  Fiff.    56.— NCCLECS   BOX. 

mg,   at   least,   tliree   combs  (fig. 

56).  These  combs  should  contain  honey  enough  to 
last  two  or  three  days,  or  more.  Xow,  go  to  the  hive 
from  which  you  are  breeding,  and  obtain  a  piece  of 
worker-brood  comb,  nearly  thre-o  inches  long  and  about 


134 


QUEHXS. 


half  an  inch  wide   (fig.  57).      This  should  be  new,  if 
possible.     The  larvae  should  not  be  less  than  two  nor  more 

,=;  than  three  davs  old,  from 
Y  the  egg.     In  the  center  of 
^F     the  middle  comb  cut  a  space 
}/       three   inches    long    by    an 
Fiff.  57.-COMB,  WITH  BKooD  FOB  i^^.]^  (j^ep.   Liscrt  thls  plccG 

QUEEN   RAISING.  „  ,  i  i    •    i       • 

01  brood,  which  is  support- 
ed at  the  ends,  by  the  shape,  as  shown  in  fig.  58.  Allow 
no  more  brood  in  the  box.  In  the  middle  of  the  day  when 
the  bees  are  flying,  take  out  from  a  strong  colony  that  is 


Fig.   58. — COMB,    AS    ABOVE,    INSERTED   IN    COMB. 

maturing  brood,  a  little  less  than  a  ((uart  of  bees,  nearly 
all  of  Avhich  will  be  young  bees,  which  are  thought  to  be 
better  nurses.  Shut  them  in  the  nucleus  box  thirty-six 
or  forty-eight  hours,  and  then  let  them  out.     They  will 


QUEENS. 


135 


build  several  (|ueen  cells  (fig.  50).  If  the  brood  was  Just 
the  right  age,  they  will  be  likely  to  hatch  in  ten  days,  not 
less.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  look  early  in  the  morning, 
and  if  you  can  cut  any  of  them  out  without  injuring  the 
others,  do  it,  but  leave  one.  If  joined  so  that  you  will 
have  to  destroy  a  part  to  separate  them,  leave  them,  but 
examine  several  times  through  the  day,  and  if  any  hatch, 
remove  them  at  once  ;  I  have  found  four  hatched,  at  one 


Fig.    59. — QUEEN   CELLS   ON    COMB. 

time.  The  cells  that  have  been  cut  out  may  be  used  to 
supply  other  nuclei,  or  they  may  be  transferred  to  the 
queen  nursery  (fig.  GO).  I  claim  that  I  can  raise,  thus 
cheaply,  as  good  ([ueens  as  can  be  obtained.  I  ieel  like 
sa\iug  better  than  those  will  average,  where  a  full  colony 
has  been  employed  to  raise  a  dozen.  I  know  that  I  am  on 
delicate  ground.  Some  of  my  best  friends,  who  are  earn- 
est in  their  wishes  to  advance  the  science  of  bee-culture, 
will  pity,  perhaps  condemn  me.     If  the  reasons  that  I 


136 


QUEEXS. 


give  are  not  sufficient  to  sustain  the  system,  let  it  fall ;  1 
want  it  upheld  by  merits  of  its  own,  or  not  at  all. 

"  How  is  it  with  natural  swarms  ?  Ten  or  fifteen  cells 
are  often  made  where  a  swarm  has  issued.     The  first  are 

made  under  the  impulse  of 
the  swarming  fever.  If  the 
swarm  issues  before  any  are 
sealed  over,  very  many  will 
be  started  at  once.  Some 
of  them,  however,  after  the 
swarm  has  left,  receive  much 
less  attention  than  the  first 
Fig.  (30. -QUEEN  NiR.ERv.  oncs  did.  If  want  of  atten- 
tion makes  an  inferior  queen  in  case  of  artificial  rearing, 
can  any  one  say  why  the  oame  causes  will  not  produce  the 
same  results  here  ?  We  are  not  likely  to  ascertain  for  a 
certainty,  as  all  except  two  or  three  of  the  first  are  de- 
stroyed. But  when  we  come  to  imitate  natural  swarm  mg, 
in  a  sense,  by  removing  a  queen  from  a  full  stock,  and 
claim  better  queens  in  consequence,  we  can  test  it  some- 
what. "We  find  m  the  attempts  to  replace  the  mother,  a 
still  greater  diversity  in  the  time  of  starting  cells.  It  is 
reported  that  some  queens  will  hatcli  in  nine  days,  some 
in  ten,  others  sixteen  and  eighteen,  and  at  all  intermediate 
times.  Those  hatching  under  ten  days  are  claimed  to 
be  deficient  in  development,  and  short-lived.  I  never  had 
any  nine-day  queens,  and  cannot  say.  Those  that  are 
slow  to  mature  are  quite  apt  to  be  deficient.  I  do  not 
say  that  some  such  do  not  make  beautiful  queens,  but  the 
average  is  no  better  than  cen-day  queens. 

''  When  first  deprived  of  the  mother,  the  bees  make 
cells  over  larvae,  without  seeming  to  care  much  for  a  con- 
venient place  ;  after  the  first  impulse  is  over,  they  find  a 
good  place  occasionally,  and  commence  other  cells,  but 
having  a  large  number  already,  they  work  as  if  they  cared 
little  for  these  last.     Thov  seem  to  nurse  such  for  want  of 


QUEEIfS.  137 

something  to  do — never  expecting  to  need  tliem.  They 
may  be  all  right,  except  late,  and  just  sealed  over  when 
the  first  one  hatches.  It  is  hardly  possible  to  cut  out 
such  an  unripe  cell,  and  get  from  it  a  good  queen.  Until 
a  queen  has  its  shape  and  begins  to  get  color,  it  is  very 
delicate  and  tender.  The  cell  is  twice  the  size  necessary 
to  hold  it,  and  if  it  is  cut  off,  and  only  turned  over — even  i 
if  carefully  done— it  falls  from  one  side  to  the  other,  and 
is  bruised  badly,  making  it  a  cripple,  and  inferior  in  color. 

"  Some  of  the  advantages  of  the  nucleus  system  may  be 
found  in  the  particular  care  of  a  few  pomts. 

"  1.  I  want  new  comb  for  the  brood,  as  cells  can  be 
worked  over  out  of  that,  better  than  from  the  old  and 
tough.  New  comb  must  be  carefully  handled.  If  none 
but  old,  tougli  comb  is  to  be  had,  cut  the  cells  down  to 
one-fourth  of  an  inch  in  depth.  The  knife  must  be  sharp 
to  leave  it  smooth,  and  not  tear  it.  The  bees  will  enlarge 
and  turn  downward  such  shallow  cell  nearly  as  well  as  on 
new  comb. 

"2.  Clean  comb  in  condition  to  lay  in,  must  be  given  the 
bees  in  the  brood  hive  frequently,  perhaps  every  day,  if 
rearing  many  queens.  Look  every  day,  so  as  to  know- 
just  when  the  queen  lays  in  any  comb,  ^ou  should  cut 
out  the  brood  in  five  or  six  days  from  the  time  the  esss 
are  laid,  and  be  sure  of  queens  hatching  in  ten  or  eleven 
days  afterward,  according  to  the  age  of  larvae.  As  all  the 
eggs  m  the  comb  were  laid  within  a  few  hours  of  each 
other,  all  will  mature  about  the  same  time  ;  such  cells 
can  be  cut  out  and  handled  without  injury.  A  colony 
may  be  deprived  of  its  queen,  and  receive  a  cell  the  next 
aay  which  will  hatch  in  a  few  hours.  As  there  are  but  few 
brood  cells  given  them,  the  nurses  in  proportion  are  even 
greater  than  m  full  colonies.  Remember,  this  is  all  the 
brood  they  have  to  take  their  attention.  They  have  just 
realized  their  need  of  a  queen  ;  they  have  the  means 
placed  conveniently,  with  space  underneath ;  they  work 


138  Q.LEEXS 

■with  a  will,  having  no  earlier  or  later  oue^  to  choose  from, 
and  in  three  days  all  are  sealed  up. 

''  Compare  these  queens  with  those  raised  in  hives  full 
<lf  brood.  I  do  not  claim  to  get  better  queens,  but  may 
I  not  claim  as  good,  and  more  uniformly  good  ?  J  ust 
give  the  nucleus  an  additional  comb  of  brood  of  all  ages 
the  next  day,  and  no  convenient  place  cut  for  queen  ceils, 
and  they  would  start  but  few.  There  are  too  many  young 
bees  to  be  cared  for,  like  the  full  stock.  Many  of  those 
started  would  be  neglected.  Have  I  made  it  clear  that 
nurses  and  brood  can  be  economically  adjusted  ? 

*•  When  the  young  queen  has  commenced  laying,  and 
has  been  removed,  new  brood  can  not  be  given  to  the  bees 
and  they  be  expected  to  rear  as  many  more  queens  wil- 
lingly. They  should  have  some  of  the  cells  ready  made, 
given  them,  making  themselves  useful  in  caring  for 
queens  until  they  lay.  AYhenever  another  batoh  of  cells 
is  wanted,  introdace  another  supply  of  aurse-bees,  and 
work  as  before." 

ANOTHER   METHOD. 

There  is  another  method  of  rearing  queens,  which  in 
many  respects  I  prefer  to  the  one  Just  described.  I  prac- 
tice both,  yet,  considering  all  essential  features,  I  have  a 
preference  for  frames  uniform  in  size  with  those  in  the 
hive,  for  all  operations,  a^  thus  honey  and  bees  can  usu- 
ally be  more  conveniently  supplied.  Yet,  if  the  small 
nucleus  boxes  arc  used,  honey  may  be  secured  in  the  flush 
of  the  season  by  fnrnisliing  the  small  frames  filled  with 
empty  comb  or  foundation,  to  these  boxes,  after  removing 
such  as  have  been  filled  with  honey.  1  have  often  been 
able  to  obtain  a  large  number  of  such  combs  well  filled 
and  capped  over,  which  I  have  saved  with  proper  care, 
until  wanted  for  similar  purposes  the  following  season. 
The  full-sized  frames  for  nuclei  are  preferable  because 
the  bees  used  to  rear  the  queens  are  of  value,  if  swarms 


QUEEJS'S.  139 

are  to  be  built  up  artilicially  (as  hereafter  directed),  and 
are  already  iu  the  hives  designated  to  receive  such  swarms. 

The  process  of  rearing  queens  in  full  colonies  is  as  fol- 
lows :  Select  the  stock  from  which  it  is  desired  to  secure 
queen  cells.  Remove  the  queen,  and  place  her  in  a  hive 
jjrepared  to  receive  her,  o/  use  her  to  supply  any  de- 
ticiency  that  may  have  occurred.  The  bees,  finding  them- 
selves destitute  of  a  queen,  Avill  proceed  to  construct 
queen-cells,  which  should  be  cared  for  as  directed  in  this 
chapter.  If  it  is  preferred  to  use  a  stock  of  native  bees, 
which  are  thought  by  some  to  be  better  nurses,  remove 
the  queen,  and  take  from  them  all  the  combs  containing 
eggs  and  brood,  in  its  first  stages.  These  combs  may  be 
placed  m  hives  which  need  strengthening,  after  shaking 
and  brushing  all  bees  back  to  their  own  stand.  Xow, 
take  from  the  hive  possessing  the  queen,  whose  brood  you 
wish  to  secure,  such  combs  a^  contain  larva?  of  the  required 
age.  If  this  hive  had  been  supplied  about  six  days  pre- 
viously with  clean  white  worker-combs,  placed  in  the 
center  of  the  brood-nest,  it  would  probably  contain  larvoe 
in  just  the  desired  degree  of  development.  Besides,  when 
tender  combs  are  used,  queen-cells  will  be  more  readily 
started,  with  the  chances  m  favor  of  a  larger  number. 
Remove  the  bees  from  these  combs,  and  place  the  latter 
in  the  native  swarm  prepared  for  tbem. 

It  IS  not  best  to  expect  more  than  ten  or  twelve  cells 
from  each  hive  thus  arranged,  yet  when  all  the  conditions 
are  favorable,  I  have  sometimes  had  a  much  larger  num- 
ber started.  If  several  colonies  are  to  be  prepared  m  this 
way,  it  IS  better  to  do  it  on  successive  days,  that  the 
queens  may  not  mature  so  nearly  at  once,  so  that  a  lees 
number  will  need  care  at  the  same  trme.  In  eight  days 
after  the  above  operation,  the  combs  may  be  carefully 
lifted  out,  and  the  number  of  cells  ascertained.  In  some 
instances  they  will  be  built  so  closely  together,  that  they 
can  not  be  separated  with  safety  to  all.     For  instance,  if 


140  QUEENS. 

five  cells  are  built  in  a  cluster^  the  one  in  the  center  and 
two  on  the  outside  can  only  be  saved  by  cutting  through 
the  two  others.  During  these  operations,  it  is  necessary 
to  handle  the  combs  with  great  care,  keeping  them  in  the 
same  position  as  when  in  the  hive,  that  the  queens  may 
receive  no  injury. 

FORMING   NUCLEI. 

If  the  queens  are  to  be  used  for  new  swarms,  arrange 
the  requisite  number  of  hives  in  tlie  different  positions  in 
the  apiary,  that  you  wish  the  swarms  to  occupy.  It  is 
my  practice  to  purchase  native  bees  in  box  hives  at  this 
time,  and  transfer  the  combs  and  bees  to  such  hives  (as 
directed  in  Chap.  VII.,  on  Transferring),  giving  each 
nucleus  one  comb  containing  brood,  and  about  one  quart 
of  bees.  From  a  good  box  hive  I  form  from  six  to  eight 
nuclei.  Also,  I  sometimes  bring  a  colony  already  in  mov- 
able frames,  from  another  apiary,  and  divide  it  in  about 
the  same  number  of  parts.  In  either  case,  the  queen  is 
removed,  and  used  where  one  is  desired.  These  bees  will 
usually  remain  more  contentedly  if  they  are  confined  to 
the  nucleus  for  the  first  twenty-four  hours. 

Another  practical  method  is  to  open  a  hive  in  the  same 
apiary,  and  after  securing  the  queen,  remove  from  it  a 
card  containing  brood  as  fully  developed  as  can  be  deter- 
mined by  the  looks.  Place  this  in  one  of  the  nucleus 
hives  prepared,  with  a  close  fitting  division  board  at  eac'.i 
side,  if  a  hanging  frame  is  used,  or  the  panels  with  the 
standing  frame.* 

Now,  remove  three  or  four  other  combs  from  the  same 
hive,  and  after  giving  them  a  sudden  shake  in  front  of 
their  own  hive,  to  dislodge  the  old  bees,  take  them  to  the 
nucleus,  and  brush  all  tlie  young  bees  that  cling  to  them, 
into  it.     This  will  usually  furnish  a  sufficient  supply  of 

♦  These  divisio-i  boards  or  panels  should  be  used  in  all  nuclei  formed  in  large 
hives,  to  economize  the  heat. 


QCEEXS.  141 

bees  for  a  nucleus.  Return  these  last  combs  to  their  own 
hive,  supply  the  place  of  the  one  removed  with  a  frame  of 
foundation  or  comb,  and  return  the  queen.  This  method 
will  be  advisable  where  but  one  or  more  stocks  are  kept. 
In  this  case  it  would  not  be  necessary  to  prepare  a  swarm 
from  which  to  take  cells.  The  nucleus  swarm  may  be 
allowed  to  construct  cells,  the  best  of  which  may  be  se- 
lected. Proceed  as  above,  with  other  good  hives,  until 
the  desired  number  is  obtained.  The  second  day  after 
these  are  formed,  the  cells  in  the  hive  in  waiting  will  be 
ten  days  old,  and  the  most  advanced  be  liable  to  hatch. 
If  only  eggs  had  been  furnished,  from  which  these  queens 
were  to  be  reared,  they  would  not  mature  under  sixteen 
days  from  the  time  the  egg  was  laid.  On  the  evening 
previous,  or  on  the  morning  of  the  tenth  day  at  the  latest, 
remove  the  cells  with  a  very  sharp  small-bladed  knife,  and 
place  them  in  a  box  for  the  purpose,  always  handling 
them  with  extreme  care  (see  fig.  66Z»).  If  any  one  of 
these  queens  is  allowed  to  hatch  before  they  are  cared  for, 
she  will  be  likely  to  destroy  all  the 
rest.  This  she  accomplishes  by 
biting  into  the  side  of  the  cell  and 
stinging  her  helpless  rival  (see  fig.  ^ 

66d).  The  box  should  contain  a  *" 
portion  of  cotton  or  wool,  to  make 
it  soft  (fig.  61).  If  a  laying  queen  ^^S-  6i. -queen-cell  box. 
is  at  hand,  she  may  be  introduced  to  this  stock.  Now, 
distribute  the  queen-cells  among  the  nuclei,  being  sure 
to  place  them  near  the  cluster  of  bees,  where  they  will 
be  protected. 

I  sometimes  add  another  empty  comb  to  the  nucleus, 
and  merely  place  the  queen-cell  between  the  two,  where 
it  will  occupy  a  natural  position.  At  other  times  I  simply 
make  a  hole  through  the  comb,  large  enough  to  receive 
the  cell,  with  the  lower  end  slanting  downward.  I  have 
sometimes  introduced  the  cells  to  the  nuclei  as  soon  as  the 


rA^ 


143  QUEENS. 

latter  were  formed,  but  the  bees  are  more  liable  to  de- 
stroy them,  than  when  the  nuclei  have  been  established 
for  a  day  or  two. 

These  cells  given  the  nuclei  will  usually  hatch  during 
the  next  four  or  live  days.  If  they  fail  to  do  so,  it  is 
best  to  supply  them  Avith  other  cells.  Care  must  be 
talien  to  remove  any  cells  that  may  be  started  upon  the 
combs  furnished  these  hives.  Also,  as  the  queens  appear, 
they  should  be  examined  to  see  if  they  are  perfect  in  all 
respects.  As  they  are  removed  for  various  purposes,  other 
cells  may  be  furnished.  Tlie  queen  will  fly  out  for  fer- 
tilization in  from  four  to  six  days  from  leaving  the  cell, 
under  favorable  circumstances.  In  three  or  four  days 
after  impregnation,  she  will  usually  begin  to  lay,  when 
her  wing  may  be  clipped.  If  she  does  not  begin  within 
two  weeks  from  the  time  she  was  hatched,  I  would  advise 
destroying  her. 

QUEEN    NURSERY. 

Dr.  Jewell  Davis,  of  Illinois,  has  invented  what  is  called 
a  queen-nursery,  designed  for  hatching  and  holding  extra 
queens.  Its  dimensions  correspond  with  those  of  the 
frames  used,  and  it  may  be  placed  in  a  full  hive  for  the 
purposes  indicated  (see  fig.  GO). 

QUEEN   CAGES. 

A  simple  and  practical  queen-cage  is  essential  in  every 
apiary.  A  goodly  number  of  them  should  always  be  on 
hand  convenient  for  immediate  use.  A  good  one  that 
will  meet  all  requirements  is  shown  in  fig.  02,  b.  Make  it 
of  light  wire-cloth,  eight  mesh  or  eight  wires  to  the  inch. 

The  open  end  should  be  made  of  the  selvedge  of  the 
wire-cloth,  or  if  a  cut  edge  is  used,  one  wire  should  be 
ravelled  out,  and  all  the  ends  nicely  bent  back,  as  the 
queen  would  be  likely  to  receive  injury  while  ])eing  caged, 
if  the   sharp  ends  of    the   wire  projected  at  the  edge. 


QUEENS. 


143 


Prepare  a  close-fitting  stopper,  which  completes  the 
cage.  If  an  opening  is  cut  in  the  stopper,  and  filled 
with  candy,  it  will  furnish  ready  food  for  the  caged  queen 
at  all  times.  Candy  for  this  purpose  is  made  by  using 
"A"  sugar  with  a  small  proportion  of  flour,  and  a  little 
vrater.  Boil  it  in  a  saucepan,  stirring  until  it  begins  to 
grain.  Then  fill  the  cavity  in  the  stopper  with  this 
syrup  while  it  is  warm,  when  it  will  harden. 

alley's  droxe  excluder,  and  queen  trap  combined. 

This  is  one  of  Mr.  Alley's  latest  inventions.  It  is  so 
constructed  that  it  may  be  adjusted  to  any  hive.  It  al- 
lows the  drones  to  pass  through  cones 
to  tlie  upper  part  of  the  trap,  where 
they  cannot  escape  or  return  to  the 


a,  alley's  drone  excluder. 


Fig.  62. 


Hii  il  siteiii  B 

pMffl  III 

i:-:::::::::  ilh 

::::::;::::::  :  13, 

Mi 

:::::::::::::|;^ 

■ i  —  ■  -  wj 

m 

b,  QUEEN    CAGE. 


hive.  They  may  afterwards  be  returned,  destroyed  or 
used  as  desired.  It  will  readily  be  seen  that  this  trap  is 
not  open  to  the  objection  raised  by  some  that  the  drones 
are  held  where  they  are  in  the  way,  and  clog  the  passages 
of  the  working  bees.  The  advantage  to  be  gained  in  the 
use  of  these  traps  by  allowing  only  such  drones  to  fly  as 
one  desires  his  queens  to  meet,  is  evident.  It  is  also  of 
value  in  preventing  the  escape  of  the  queen.  As  a 
swarm  will  never  leave  without  a  queen,  loss  of  swarms 
may  thus  be  prevented.  These  traps  are  so  neatly  made 
as  to  bo   an  ornament  to  the  apiary.     See  fig.  62,  a. 


144  QUEENS. 

INTKODUCING    QUEEN'S. 

Four  points  are  necessary  to  observe  in  introducing 
queens. 

1st,  that  the  hive  contains  no  queens  or  queen- 
cells. 

2d,  that  the  bees  are  all  induced  to  fill  themselves  with 
honey. 

3d,  that  the  queen  is  pervaded  with  the  same  scent 
as  the  bees  to  which  she  is  introduced, 

4th,  that  she  be  introduced  in  such  a  manner,  that  she 
will  not  be  hastily  met  as  an  intruder. 

A  failure  to  meet  the  first  requirement  often  results  in 
the  loss  of  queens.  A  cell  may  be  hidden  in  a  sly  place 
and  overlooked.  For  instance,  I  have  known  queen-cells 
to  be  made  between  broken  edges  of  transferred  combs, 
which  were  afterwards  built  over  and  concealed,  so  that 
no  indication  of  a  queen-cell  appeared.  The  fact  that 
such  may  be  tlie  case,  favors  the  immediate  introduction 
of  queens.  Let  us  notice  some  extreme  cases  where  a 
queen  may  be  present.  I  have  removed  a  queen  that  had 
a  defective  leg,  or  that  was  becoming  unprolific,  intend- 
ing to  supply  her  place  with  another.  It  was  supposed, 
of  course,  that  being  the  rule,  that  no  other  queen  was 
present ;  but  during  the  process  I  have  noticed  a  cell  from 
which  a  queen  had  just  issued ;  and  upon  further  ex- 
amination, have  found  the  young  queen  in  anotlier  part 
of  the  hive.  The  mode  of  confining  the  queen  for  24  or 
48  hours,  after  the  old  one  is  removed,  is  often  practised, 
but  I  have  known  eases  where  a  young  queen  has  entered 
such  a  hive  during  this  time,  and  destroyed  the  one  intro- 
duced as  soon  as  released.  I  mention  these  instances  as 
I  have  had  them  occur  in  my  own  experience.  The  pres- 
ence of  fertile  workers  often  causes  the  loss  of  queens 
when  introduced,  as  the  bees  are  less  Avilling  to  receive 
her  at  such  times.     The  resource  in  such  instances,  is,  to 


QUEENS.  145 

furnish  them  brood  from  vvhich  to  rear  a  queen,  which 
thev  will  generally  accept. 

2d.  The  bees  may  usually  be  induced  to  fill  themselves 
ff^ith  honey  by  smoking,  yet  it  ij  sometimes  desirable  to 
sprinkle  them  with  liquid  honey  or  syrup,  for  the  pur- 
pose. If  honey  is  not  being  gathered,  the  necessity  for 
operating  when  all  the  bees  are  in  the  hive,  at  morning 
or  evening,  so  that  all  may  be  induced  to  fill  themselves, 
will  be  evident. 

3d.  It  has  been  recommended  to  add  to  the  syrup  or 
honey  some  kind  of  essence  which  would  give  them  all 
the  same  odor.  Others  depend  upon  smoke,  using  to- 
bacco as  a  preference.  Whatever  scent  is  used,  both  the 
queen  and  bees  should  be  pervaded  with  the  same. 

4th.  The  covering  of  the  queen  with  honey  or  syrup 
will  attract  the  bees  when  she  is  placed  among  them,  and 
they  will  realize  her  identity  as  a  queen  while  licking  her 
off.  I  usually  find  rotten  wood  sufficient  for  smoke,  and 
the  use  of  honey  fi-om  the  hive  which  is  to  receive  the 
queen  will  ordinarily  afford  the  required  similarity  of  odor. 

Among  the  varied  methods  of  introduction,  that  which 
will  allow  the  new  queen  to  bo  introduced  soonest  after 
the  old  one  is  removed  is  most  desirable.  If  I  were  to 
introduce  a  very  choice  queen  with  the  least  possible 
chance  of  losing  her,  I  would  make  a  stock  queenless,  and 
leave  it  in  that  condition  eight  days.  The  queen-cells 
which  they  naturally  construct  should  then  be  removed, 
after  smoking  thoroughly,  and  as  they  would  be  expect- 
ing a  queen,  and  deprived  of  eggs  or  larvae  from  which 
to  rear  her,  they  would  undoubtedly  be  in  a  favorable 
mood  to  accept  her  majesty.  If  the  queen  is  now  smeared 
with  honey,  and  placed  between  the  fi-ames  at  the  top, 
there  is  hardly  a  chance  that  she  will  not  be  accepted.  If 
the  bees  are  busy  collecting  honey,  the  work  may  be  done 
at  any  time  of  day,  but  when  honey  is  but  sparingly 
gathered,  I  prefer  doing  it  after  the  bees  stop  flying  at 


14:6  QUEEXS. 

night.  It  i\ill  also  be  necessary  to  smoke  them  more 
thoroughly  at  that  time.  Although  most  safe,  this  mode 
of  introducing  queens  is  not  altogether  desirable.  I 
would  prefer  to  lose  one  queen  in  five,  and  introduce  as 
soon  as  the  old  queen  is  removed,  rather  than  leave  the 
hives  queenless  the  stated  time,  and  lose  none.  If  it  is 
found  necessary  to  change  queens  in  hives  that  are  bemg 
extracted  at  intervals,  it  may  be  done  easily  and  success- 
fully. At  a  time  when  the  bees  are  gathering  honey  m 
most  profusion,  and  the  combs  are  frequently  extracted, 
the  bees  will  be  most  completely  demoralized,  and  gen- 
erally gorged  witli  honey.  I  have  had  no  trouble  in  tak- 
ing away  the  old  queen  at  such  times,  and  installing  a 
new  one  in  her  place.  Some  introduce  a  queen  by  put- 
ting her  m  a  cage,  and  tying  a  piece  of  tliin  muslin  over 
the  open  end,  or  by  using  comb  for  a  stopper,  which  the 
bees  will  bite  away,  and  thus  affect  her  release.  Others 
construct  a  cage  of  different  proportions,  leaving  one  side 
open,  instead  of  the  end.  Tlieu  a  liole  is  made  in  a  comb 
filled  with  honey,  by  thrusting  a  knife  through,  turning 
it  around,  and  withdrawing  it  without  removing  any  of 
the  comb.  The  queen  is  then  confined  to  one  side  of  the 
comb  by  placing  the  cage  over  her,  and  crowding  it 
against  the  comb.  The  bees  will  clear  the  opening  and 
release  the  queen.  I  have  practised  this  method  success- 
fully, but,  as  a  rule,  I  would  prefer  releasing  her  from 
the  cage,  instead  of  allowing  the  bees  to  do  it.  In  all 
cases,  ail  examination  sliould  be  made  at  a  suitable  time 
to  become  assured  of  her  safety. 

When  it  is  desired  to  Italianize  native  stocks,  it  is 
simply  necessary  to  remove  tlie  native  queens,  and  intro- 
duce Italians.  In  twenty-on3  days,  the  young  Italian 
bees  will  begin  to  appear,  and  in  six  or  eight  weeks,  in 
the  busy  season,  the  natives  will  all  disappear. 


QUEEXS. 


u: 


CLIPPING    QUEEXS     WIXG3. 

This  practice  is  thought  by  many  to  be  one  of  the  new 
discoveries  of  the  age.  Mr.  Langstroth  tells  us  in  his 
work  that  it  was  followed  in  Virgil's  time,  and  also  men- 
tions an  account  bearing  date  as  early  as  1T66,  of  a  bee- 
master  in  Spam  who  carefully  clipped  the  wings  of  his 
queen-bees,  to  prevent  loss  by  swarming.  There  are, 
doubtless,  some  slight  evils  incident  to  the  practice. 

I  am  satisfied  that  I  have  had  many  fine  queens  super- 
seded from  the  dissatisfaction  of  the  bees  with  a  queen 
with  this  imperfection.  I  do  not  imagine,  however,  that 
it  IS  any  real  detriment  to  the  value  of  the  queen.  There 
are  so  many  arguments  in  favor  of  the  practice  that  I 
could  not  relinquish  it,  even  if  it  involved  a  much  greater 
loss.  The  chances  of  loss  from  other  sources  are  very 
much  reduced,  arid  tiie  benefit  realized  in  various  opera- 
tions, as  demonstrated  herein,  proves  its  utility  and  en- 
tire practicability. 

THE    PROCESS. 

It  may  be  done  with  a  sharp  knife,  or  with  a  pair  of 
scissors.     If  a  knife  is  used,  grasp  the 
queen  by  the  forward  part  of  the  body, 
and  place  the  wing  to  be  removed  upon 
a  smooth  surface,  and  cut  about  one 
half  of  it  away  (fig.  63).      If  scissors 
are  preferred,   use  those   with  round 
points,  as  they  are   less  liable   to  in- 
jure the  queen,  and  may  be  more  saieiy  j,.^  63.-q^en  with 
carried  in  the  pocket  than  sharp  point-      "  clippee  wing. 
ed  ones.     The  inexpert  would  do  better  to  handle  the 
queen  by  the  wmgs. 

HOW   TO    HAXDLE   A    QUEEN". 

To  handle  a  queen  with  perfect  safety  to  her  majesty 
requires  some  experience.     Never  allow  the  least  pressure 


148  QUEENS. 

to  come  upon  the  abdomen.  They  may  be  often  confined 
in  a  cage,  without  touching  with  the  hand.  Place  the 
cage  in  front  of  her  upon  the  comb,  and  with  the  stopper 
gently  induce  her  to  enter.  If  one  or  more  bees  pass  in 
with  her,  all  the  better.  AVheii  ready  to  liberate  her,  she 
will  pass  from  the  cage  to  the  combs  without  difficulty. 
The  form  of  cage  described  was  designed  with  this  special 
point  in  view.  The  value  of  a  good  queen  should  ever  be 
borne  m  mind,  and  in  all  operations  great  care  exercised, 
that  she  does  not  receive  injury.  When  they  are  deposit- 
ing eggs  most  freely,  they  become  very  large  and  heavy, 
and  will  sometimes  drop  to  the  ground  during  the  manip- 
ulation of  the  combs.  To  avoid  this,  have  a  cage  at 
hand,  and  confine  the  queen  during  necessary  operations 
with  the  combs,  and  return  her  when  ready  to  close  the 
hive. 

AGE   OF    QUEENS. 

The  bee-keeper  should  keep  a  record  of  the  age  of  all 
the  queens  in  his  apiary.  Some  advise  hanging  a  small 
slate  upon  the  front  of  each  hive,  and  for  making  any 
immediate  record,  it  will  be  found  very  convenient.  I 
advise  numbering  each  hive,  and  using  what  I  call  a  yard- 
book,  devoting  a  page  to  each  hive,  numbered  to  corre- 
spond. In  this  book,  the  age  of  the  queen  may  be  kept, 
and  any  other  facts  which  it  may  be  useful  to  remember. 
I  have  kept  such  books  tor  each  apiary  away  from  home, 
with  much  satisfaction.  It  was  our  habit  to  visit  such 
apiaries  once  each  week.  I  have  studied  the  condition  of 
these  colonies  as  recorded  in  this  book,  the  evening  before 
visiting  them,  and  found  myself  working  much  more  un- 
derstandmgly  the  lol lowing  day. 

When  one  has  purchased  a  valuable  queen  at  much  ex- 
pense, or  if  one  has  been  reared  that  proves  to  be  more 
than  ordinarily  good,  the  owner  will  be  slow  to  destroy 
her,  so  long  as  she  deposits  worker  eggs,  even  though  she 


QUEENS.  149 

becomes  less  prolific,  until  she  is  four  or  five  years  old ; 
but  for  the  majority  of  queens  this  will  not  answer.  I 
shall  not  advise  retaining  queens  longer  than  three  years. 
Several  years  ago  I  argued  at  one  of  our  "North-Eastern 
Bee-Keeper's  Conventions,"  that,  where  bees  were  kept 
in  the  old  way  in  a  hive  with  a  small  brood-chamber,  and 
the  queen  was  only  required  to  deposit  a  limited  number 
of  eggi,  she  might  be  expected  to  remain  fruitful  for  a 
longer  term  of  years  than  under  the  present  system  of 
management,  where  the  motto  is  "a  large  force  for  a  large 
amount  of  work."  For  we  now  use  every  possible  means 
to  secure  the  largest  amount  of  brood,  often  trebling  the 
number  of  bees  that  would  be  reared  in  a  small  box-hive 
with  no  care. 

The  idea  was  almost,  if  not  quite,  unanimously  re- 
jected at  that  time,  but  later  experience  confirms  me  in 
the  opinion  that  queens  will  fail  sooner  under  the  present 
system,  than  with  the  old  methods. 

I  consider  then,  that  ai  a  rule  three  years  should  be  the 
average  limit  of  a  queen's  age,  and  many  will  become  use- 
less earlier.  Ever  have  an  eye  to  the  queen,  and  if  she 
become  deficient  in  any  way,  let  her  place  be  supplied 
with  a  good  one.  Do  not  allow  the  bees  to  supersede  her 
tliemselves,  which  they  might  do  to  a  disadvantage. 

DROXE-LAYIXG     QUEEXS. 

Drone-laying  queens  are  usually  such,  as  from  any 
cause,  are  unable  to  meet  the  drone  for  impregnation. 
Such  queens  will  only  produce  drone  progeny.  They 
often  deposit  their  eggs  in  worker  combs,  but  as  the  brood 
approaches  maturity,  the  cells  will  be  extended  about  '/^ 
in.  before  being  capped  over,  which  gives  the  surface  a 
rough  appearance,  as  such  brood  is  always  somewhat 
scattered  (fig.  64).  It  requires  but  little  experience  to 
recognize  these  indications  of  an  imperfect  queen. 


150 


QUEEN'*. 


Old  queens  often  come  to  this  same  condition.     These 
we  term  "spent  queens."     They  will  deposit  but  few 
iiirassB!-- ^''  ■.  ,.^ «v!Ji«  -^  eggs,    which    will    pro- 

duce only  drones.  The 
judicious  bee-keeper  will 
seldom  allow  his  bees  to 
reach  this  state.  I  have 
known  swarm  s  that 
went  into  winter  quar- 
ters with  an  apparently 
good  queen,  to  come  out 
m  spring  with  a  drone- 
layer.  Mr.  Langstroth 
gives  US  proof  that  hun- 
ger and  cold  will  reduce 
a  prolific  queen  to  this  condition.  He  and  others  haA'e 
exposed  fertile  queens  to  a  very  low  temperature,  and  they 
were  afterwards  unable  to  deposit  other  than  drone  eggs. 


Fig.  64. — ER90D  FROM    DRONE-L.VYING 
QUEEN   IX   WORKER-CELLS. 


Fig.   G5. — QUEEN-CELLS  OVER  DRONE   BROOD. 

It  is  q  dte  common  for  bees  that  have  none  but  drone 
eggs,  to  try  to  rear  a  queen  from  them,  but  every  such 
efi-'urf  IS  fruitless.     Cells  ot  this  kind  are  shown  in  lig.  65- 


QUEEXS.  151 

LOSS   OF    QUEEXS. 

A  critical  time  for  our  queens  is  when  they  leave  the 
hive  or  nucleus  to  meet  the  drones.  They  are  liable  to 
be  caught  by  birds,  and  at  times,  fail  to  enter  their  own 
hives  on  their  return.  Tliis  is  an  excellent  reason  for  not 
setting  hives  too  closely  together,  and  also,  for  using  a 
variety  of  colors  in  roofs  or  hives,  to  assist  them  in  iden- 
tifying their  own  homes.  An  examination  should  be 
made  at  the  proper  time  to  ascertain  if  the  queen  has 
safely  returned. 

IXDICATIOX'S    OF   LOSS. 

The  next  morning  after  a  loss  of  this  kind  has  occurred, 
and  occasionally  at  evening,  the  bees  may  be  seen  running 
to  and  fro  m  the  greatest  consternation  on  the  outside. 
Some  will  fly  oH  a  short  distance,  and  return ;  one  will 
run  to  another,  and  then  to  another,  still  in  hopes,  no 
doubt,  of  finding  their  lost  queen.  A  hive,  close  by,  will 
probably  receive  a  portion,  and  will  seldom  resist  an  ac- 
cession under  such  circumstances.  Al]  this  will  be  going 
on  while  other  hives  are  quiet.  Towards  the  middle  of 
the  day,  the  confusion  will  be  less  marked  ;  but  the  next 
morning  it  will  be  exhibited  again,  though  not  so  plainly, 
and  will  cease  after  the  third,  when  they  become  appar- 
ently reconciled  to  their  fate.  They  will  continue  their 
labors  as  usual,  bringing  in  pollen  and  honey.  Here  I 
am  obliged  to  differ  with  writers,  who  tell  us  that  all 
labor  will  now  cease.  I  hope  the  reader  will  not  be  de- 
ceived by  supposing  that  the  collection  of  pollen  is-  an 
infallible  indication  of  the  presence  of  a  queen.  I  can 
assure  him  it  is  not  always  the  case. 

When  such  conditions  are  noticed,  it  is  well  to  exam- 
ine the  hive  to  see  if  a  queen  can  be  found.  Or,  if  the 
bee-keeper  is  inexperienced  in  finding  queens,  he  may 
mark  the  date,  and  after  a  day  or  two  has  passed,  look  for 


152  NATURAL   AND   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

queen-cells,  and  if  any  are  found,  containing  larvae, 
it  will  indicate  the  absence  of  the  queen.  Additional 
evidence  is  furnished  by  the  absence  of  eggs  in  the  brood- 
combs.  The  necessity  for  keeping  colonies  supplied  with 
•  |ueens,  and  the  means  therefor,  are  indicated  in  the 
chapter  on  "Increase."' 

MOKE   THAN    ONE    QUEEN    IN    A    HIVE, 

While  it  is  a  rule  that  each  colony  will  contain  but  one 
queen,  there  will  occasionally  be  exceptions.  As  men- 
tioned in  regard  to  introducing  queens,  I  have  had  proof 
of  these  exceptions  in  my  own  experience.  We  have  also 
the  testimony  of  others  to  the  same  effect.  I  knew  an 
instance  where  the  old  queen  was  allowed  to  remain  with 
the  young  one  until  thev  were  put  in  winter  quarters.  Mr. 
Ira  Barber,  of  this  State,  had  two  queens  in  one  hive 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  season,  which  were  wintered 
together.  I  mention  these  instances  to  show  that  many 
of  the  habits  of  the  bee  may  be  sufficiently  uniform  to 
constitute  a  rule,  yet  it  is  hardly  wise  to  consider  them 
invariable. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

NATURAL  AND  ARTIFICIAL  INCREASE. 

NATURAL   INCREASE, 

Good  bee-keepers  differ  widely  upon  this  subject. 
Many  claim  that  no  method  of  increase  can  equal  natural 
swarming,  but  it  has  become  a  conviction  with  most,  if 
not  all,  intelligent  bee-keepers,  that  there  is  a  Aviser  way 
than  to  allow  unrestricted  natural  swarming.  Let  us 
notice  the  condition  of  a  hive,  previous  to,  and  during 
the  swarmino:  interval.     For  several  davs  before  the  issue 


NATURAL   AND    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  153 

of  the  swarm,  the  queen  matures  but  a  limited  number 
of  eggs,  becoming  reduced  in  size  nearly  to  that  of  a 
virgin  queen,  in  order  to  be  able  to  fly  out  with  the 
swarm,  and  upon  the  day  of  swarming,  even  the  worker 
bees  are  comparatively  idle.  Now,  if  second  and  third 
swarms  are  allowed  to  issue,  these  hindrances  are  multi- 
plied. The  2nd  will  issue  8  or  9  days  after  the  first,  and 
the  3d,  about  3  days  later.  In  about  18  days  from  the 
date  of  the  first  swarm,  a  young  queen  will  become  fertile, 
and  ready  to  commence  laying.  Thus  it  will  be  seen 
that  the  colony  has  been  destitute  of  a  laying  queen,  for, 
at  least  18  days,  at  a  season  when  a  large  working  force 
of  bees  is  especially  valuable.  Allowing  a  deficiency  of 
1,000  eggs  per  day,  which  is  a  very  moderate  estimate  for 
a  prolific  queen,  it  would  make  a  difference  of  18,000  bees. 

In  regions  like  California,  where  the  swarming  season 
occurs  before  the  general  honey  yield,  swarms  may  be  in- 
creased, and  brought  to  a  condition  to  store  honey  rapidly 
before  the  general  harvest  begins.  There  too,  the  increase 
may  be  profitably  large,  with  a  proportionate  gain  in  sur- 
plus. But  in  our  latitude,  where  the  duration  of  the 
yield  is  comparatively  shoxt,  and  the  swarming  season  is 
simultaneous  with  it,  a  different  system  must  be  pursued. 
A  fact  to  be  borne  in  mind  at  all  times,  is,  that  much 
better  proportionate  results  are  reached,  in  strong  colo- 
nies, than  when  the  bulk  of  bees  is  less.  This  is,  of  course, 
subject  to  limitation.  It  is  true  in  the  quantity  of  honey 
they  will  gather  in  summer,  and  consume  in  winter,  in 
the  amount  of  brood  they  will  rear,  as  well  as  in  rapidity 
of  wax-secretion,  and  comb-building.  Besides,  they  have 
but  one  set  of  combs,  and  one  entrance  to  protect  against 
their  enemies. 

The  motto  adopted  by  all  progressive  writers,  "Keep 
all  colonies  strong,"  is  one  of  the  fundamental  princi- 
ples of  success.  To  this  I  would  add,  "Each  colony 
should  at  all  times  possess  a  laying  queen."'     As  this  can 


164  NATURAL  AND   ARTIFICIAL  INCREASE. 

not  be  the  case,  when  swarms  are  allowed  to  issue  natur- 
ally, the  deduction  is,  that  this  course  is  not  productive 
of  best  results.  Yet,  as  there  are  very  many  who  will 
continue  to  follow  this  system  of  management,  until 
they  more  fully  appreciate  the  advantages  to  be  gained  by 
changing  it,  I  shall  give  some  space  to  Mr.  Quinby's  di- 
rections concerning  natural  swarming. 

In  the  previous  editions  of  this  work,  as  well  as  in  all 
books  upon  the  subject  up  to  the  present  day,  this  has 
been  considered  as  one  of  the  most  interesting  topics  to 
be  discussed.  With  his  usual  attention  to  minute  details, 
Mr.  Quinby  gave  very  profuse  instructions  for  all  possi- 
ble emergencies,  but  I  shall  only  make  such  quotations 
as  are  most  essential  for  beginners,  and  those  Avho  have 
not  come  to  practice  the  most  advanced  modes  of  increase 
of  colonies. 

WHEN   SWAEMING    COMMENCES. 

The  swarming  season  in  this  latitude  sometimes  com- 
mences May  15th,  and  at  other  times  July  1st.  It  usu- 
ally ends  about  the  15th  of  the  latter  month.  I  haA'e 
known  two  seasons  in  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when 
swarms  continued  to  issue  throughout  the  entire  summer, 
beginning  in  May  and  ending  August  25th,  with  no  in- 
terval of  more  than  a  week  without  swarms.  One  of 
these,  18G3,  was  wet,  and  the  floAvers  yielded  but  little 
honey.  The  native  bees  sent  out  about  one-third  the 
usual  number  of  swarms,  while  the  Italians  continued  to 
swarm  for  three  months.  They  did  not  store  much  more 
honey  than  others,  but  they  must  have  collected  more  to 
feed  the  greater  quantities  of  brood  wliich  they  reared. 
Rather  than  be  idle  when  the  yield  was  scanty,  they  col- 
lected material,  made  combs,  reared  brood,  and  sent  out 
swarms  ;  and  at  the  end  of  the  season  the  colonies  were 
as  strong,  and  had  as  much  honey  as  the  natives,  wliich 
had  not  swarmed. 


NATURAL   AXD   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  155 

The  bee-keeper  who  thinks  much  of  his  bees  will,  of 
course,  Avish  to  see  and  hive  his  swarms  as  they  issue.  If 
neglected,  for  even  ti  short  time  after  thoy  cluster,  they 
will  often  relieve  themselves  from  such  protection,  and 
seek  the  shelter  of  some  old  tree  in  the  Avoods.  "Without 
some  knowledge  of  the  indications  of  swarms,  we  often 
.  watch  vainly  for  weeks,  remaining  at  home,  and  perhaps 
neglecting  important  biisiness  in  the  fnntless  expectation 
that  the  "  bees  Avill  swarm.  *'  External  appearances  are 
not  to  be  depended  on.  Yery  early  swarms  often  issue 
before  clustering  out  ;  also,  they  very  often  cluster  out 
without  swarming.  It  is  necessary  to  look  inside  the 
hive  for  reliable  indications. 

INDICATIONS   OF   SWARMING. 

To  a  novice,  this  operation  is  apparently  formidable. 
But  with  iirotection  for  the  face,  and  the  aid  of  a  smoker, 
the  magnitude  of  the  performance  is  greatly  diminished, 
and  will  gi'ow  less  with  every  repetition.  The  hives 
should  be  examined  in  the  middle  of  the  day.  Lift  out 
the  frames,  and  look  for  queen-cells.  If  there  are  none 
containing  eggs  or  larvs,  or  none  with  thin,  smooth 
Avails,  evidently  just  begun,  there  is  not  much  prospect 
of  a  swarm  for  seA'eral  days.  But  if  any  cells  contain  eggs, 
or  larvte  nearly  ready  to  seal  over,  or  arc  actually  enclosed, 
Ave  knoAv  at  once  what  to  expect.  When  sealed  ovor>  tbe 
swarm  will  probably  issue  the  next  day.  This  is  at  the 
beginning  of  the  swarming  season.  If  at  or  near  the 
close  we  examine  again,  and  find  the  queen-cells  de- 
stroyed, we  conclude  that  they  are  done  swarming. 

I  have  found  the  requisites  for  all  regular  swarms  to 
be  something  like  this.  The  combs  must  be  crowded 
with  bees  ;  they  must  contain  a  numerous  brood  adA-anc- 
ing  from  the  egg  to  maturity,  and  the  bees  must  be  ob- 
taining honey  either  from  flowers  or  artificial  sources.  * 

*  To  these  I  would-add  scarcity  of  room  for  brood. 


158 


ifATURAL   AND   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 


A  surplus  of  bees  in  a  scarcity  of  honey  is  insufficient  to 
bring  out  the  swarm,  neither  will  plenty  of  honey  suffice, 
without  the  bees  and  brood.  The  period  of  proper  dura- 
tion in  which  all  these  conditions  exist  will  vary  in  diffei- 
ont  stocks,  and  many  times  does  not  occur  at  all  during 
tlic  season. 

PREPARATIONS   FOR   SWARMINO, 

Queen-cells  are  about  one-third  done  when  they  receive 
the  eggs  ;  as  these  eggs  hatch  into  larvce,  others  are  be- 
gun, and  receive  eggs  at  different  periods  for  several  days 


a  "Wm  d 

Fig.   66. — CLUSTER  OF   QrEEN-CELI.9. 

a,  o,  <7,  Size  of  the  eel',  when  t'le  eqq  i?  deponte  I ;  b.  Finished  cell ;  c.  Cel'  from 
which  a  matvre  queen  has  issued ;  d.  Celt  in  irhic'i  the  C[ucen  has  been  de- 
stroyed by  a  rival  and  removed  by  the  workers  ;  e,  Queen-cell  cut  from  the  comb. 

later.  The  number  of  such  cells  seems  to  be  governed 
by  the  prosperity  of  the  bees  ;  Avhen  the  family  is  largo, 
and  the  yield  of  honey  abundant,  tliey  may  construct 
twenty,  at  other  times  not  more  than  two  or  three,  al- 
though several  such  cells  may  remain  empty.  AVhen 
there  is  nothing  precarious  about  the  supply  of  honey, 


XATUKAL   AXD   ARTIPICIAL   IXCREASE.  15T 

the  sealing  of  these  cells  indicates  the  first  sAvarm,  whic]! 
will  generally  issue  on  the  first  fair  day  after  one  or  more 
are  finished. 

WHICH   BEES   COMPOSE   THE    SWAEM. 

It  is  prohahle  that  no  rule  governs  the  issue  of  the 
workers.  Old  and  young  come  out  promiscuously.  A 
great  many  old  bees  may  be  seen  in  late  swarms,  with 
wings  so  worn  as  to  be  unable  to  fly  with  the  load  of 
honey  which  they  attempt  to  carry.  That  young  bees 
leave,  any  one  may  be  satisfied  on  seeing  a  swarm  issue. 
A  great  many,  too  young  and  weak  to  fly,  will  droji  down 
in  front  of  the  hive,  having  come  out  now  for  the  first 
time,  perhaps  not  an  hour  out  of  the  cell ;  these  very 
young  bees  may  be  known  by  their  color.  That  these 
may  creep  back  to  the  hive,  is  another  inducement  to  set 
it  near  the  ground.  The  old  queen  often  gets  down  in 
the  same  way,  but  her  burden  of  eggs  is  probably  the 
cause  of  her  inability  to  fly.  That  the  old  queen  leaves 
with  the  first  swarm  is  so  easily  proved  with  the  movable- 
comb  hive,  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  occupy  several  pages 
in  demonstrating  it.  After  the  swarm  has  left,  you  have 
only  to  examine  the  combs  to  be  assured  that  she  is  no- 
where in  the  hive.  The  absence  of  eggs  in  the  cells  is 
other  proof. 

We  will  now  suppose  that  some  of  your  colonies  are 
ready  to  send  out  swarms,  and  will  also  presume  that  the 
empty  hives  for  the  reception  of  swarms  are  in  readiness. 
To  prepare  a  hive  after  the  swarm  has  issued  indicates 
bad  management ;  negligence  here  argues  negligence 
elsewhere  ;  it  is  one  of  the  premonitions  of  '"  bad  luck."' 

IMMEDIATE    IXDICATIONS   OF   A   SWARM. 

When  the  day  is  fair,  and  there  is  not  too  much  Avind, 
first  swarms  generally  issue  from  10  A.  m.  until  3  p.  m. 


loS  NATURAL  AND   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

The  first  outside  indications  will  be  an  unusual  number  of 
bees  about  the  entrance  from  one  to  sixty  minutes  before 
they  start.  The  utmost  confusion  prevails,  bees  running 
about  in  all  directions.  When  first  rising  from  the  hive, 
they  describe  circles  of  but  few  feet,  but  as  they  recede, 
they  spread  over  an  area  of  several  rods.  Their  move- 
ments are  much  slower  than  usual.  In  a  few  moments, 
thousands  may  be  seen  revolving  in  every  possible  direc- 
tion. When  all  are  out  of  the  hive,  or  soon  after,  some 
branch  of  a  tree  or  bush  is  usually  selected  on  which  to  clus- 
ter. In  less  than  half  a  minute  after  the  spot  is  indicated, 
they  are  gathered  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  and  all  clus- 
ter in  a  body,  from  five  to  ten  minutes  after  leaving  the 
hive.  They  should  now  be  hived  immediately,  as  they 
show  impatience  if  left  long,  especially  in  the  sun  ;  also, 
if  another  stock  should  send  out  a  swarm  while  they 
were  hanging  there,  they  would  be  quite  sure  to  unite. 

HOW   TO    HIVE   THEM. 

It  makes  but  little  difference  in  what  way  they  are  put 
in  the  hive,  providing  they  are  all  made  to  go  in.  If 
there  is  nothing  in  the  way,  lay  the  bottom  board  on  the 
ground,  make  it  level,  set  the  hive  on  it,  and  place  a  wide 
board  before  it.  Cut  off  the  branch  on  which  the  bees 
are  hanging,  if  it  can  be  done  as  well  as  not,  and  shake 
them  off  in  front  of  the  hive  ;  a  portion  will  discover  it 
and  will  at  once  commence  a  vibration  of  their  wings, 
which  seems  to  be  a  c.ill  for  the  others.  A  great  many 
are  apt  to  stop  about  the  entrance,  thereby  nearly  or  quite 
closing  it,  and  preventing  others  from  going  in.  You  can 
expedite  their  progress  by  gently  disturliing  them  with  a 
stick  or  quill.  When  gentle  means  will  not  induce  them 
to  enter  in  a  reasonable  time,  and  they  appear  obstmate, 
a  little  water  sprinkled  on  them  will  greatly  facilitate 
operations,  or  they  may  be  readily  driven  in  by  the  use 
of  the  smoker. 


NATURAL   AND   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  159 

"When  they  cluster  on  a  branch  that  you  do  not  wish  to 
cut  off,  arrange  the  bottom-board  as  before  directed,  then 
turn  a  box  bottom  up  directly  under  the  main  part  of  the 
cluster,  and  if  you  have  an  assistant,  let  him  jar  the 
branch  sufficiently  to  dislodge  the  beG3 ;  most  of  them 
will  fall  directly  into  the  box.  If  no  assistant  is  at  hand, 
strike  the  under  side  of  the  branch  with  the  box,  and 
when  the  bees  have  fallen  in,  empty  them  on  the  board. 
I  have  gone  up  a  ladder  twenty  feet  high,  got  the  bees 
in  this  way,  and  backed  down  without  difficulty. 

A  basket  or  large  tin  pan  may  be  taken  up  the  ladder 
instead  of  the  hive,  from  which  the  bees  can  be  readily 
emptied  before  it.  But  very  few  will  fly  out  in  coming 
down.  If  you  succeed  in  getting  nearly  all  the  bees  at 
the  first  effort,  merely  shaking  the  branch  will  be  suffi- 
cient to  prevent  the  remainder  from  alighting,  which  will 
turn  their  attention  below,  where  those  Vv^hich  have  al- 
ready found  a  hive  will  be  doing  their  best  to  call  them. 
Swarms  will  sometimes  alight  in  places  where  it  is  im- 
possible to  jar  them  off,  as  on  a  large  limb,  or  trunk  of 
a  tree.  At  such  times  place  the  hive  near,  as  first  direct- 
ed, and  dip  them  off  with  a  large  tin  dipper.  *  When  you 
get  the  queen  in,  there  will  be  no  trouble  with  the  re- 
mainder, even  if  there  are  many  left.  As  soon  as  they 
ascertain  that  the  queen  is  not  among  them,  they  will 
manifest  it  by  their  uneasy  movements. 

They  will  soon  leave  and  join  those  in  the  hive,  or  if 
the  queen  is  yet  on  the  tree,  even  if  there  be  but  a  dozen 
with  her,  those  in  the  hive  will  leave  and  cluster  again. 
In  all  cases  they  must  all  be  made  to  enter,  and  when  all 
are  in,  except  a  few  that  will  be  flying,  carry  the  hive  at 
once  to  the  stand  it  is  to  occupy,  and  protect  them  well 
from  the  rays  of  the  sun  with  a  good  roof.  The  reasons 
for  immediately  removing  the  swarm  to  the  stand,  are, 

*  Dipping  is  preferable  to  brushing  with  a  wing  or  broom,  a.^  tlie  latter  initatea 
them  excecdin^'ly. 


160  NATURAL    AND    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

that  they  are  generally  more  convenient  to  watch  in  case 
they  are  disposed  to  leave,  and  many  bees  can  be  saved. 
All  that  leave  the  hive,  mark  the  location  the  same- as  in 
sprmg.  Several  hundreds  will  probably  leave  the  first 
day,  a  few,  several  times.  When  removed  at  night  to  the 
permanent  stand,  such  will  return  to  the  stand  of  the  pre- 
vious day,  and  are  generally  lost ;  whereas,  if  they  are  re- 
moved at  once,  this  loss  is  avoided. 

Those  that  are  left  flying  at  the  time,  return  to  the  old 
stock  ;  those  that  return  from  the  swarm  the  next  day 
will  not  always  do  this.  Bees  will  seldom  leave  for  the 
woods  when  put  in  clean  hives,  and  kept  cool.  The  rank 
smell  of  fresh  paint  is  offensive  to  them,  and  dark  col- 
ored hives  are  often  intolerably  hot.* 

EMEnOENCIES. 

AVe  will  now  return  to  the  issuing  of  the  swarms. 
There  will  be  some  emergencies  to  provide  for,  and  some 
exceptions  to  notice.  If  we  keep  many  colonies,  the 
chances  are  that  two  or  more  may  issue  at  one  time  ;  and 
when  they  do,  they  will  nearly  ahvays  cluster  together. 
It  is  plain  that  the  greater  the  number  of  colonies,  the 
more  such  chances  are  multiplied.  We  can,  if  we  are 
watchful,  often  prevent  the  issue  of  more  than  one  at  a 
time.  This  depends  in  a  great  measure  on  our  knowl- 
edge of  indications.  It  is  well  to  know  by  previous  ex- 
amination, which  hives  have  made  preparations  for  swarm- 
ing, and  as  soon  as  one  has  begun  to  issue,  look  at  all  tbe 
rest  that  are  in  condition  to  swarm  ;  or,  what  is  much 
better,  look  before  any  have  started.  Even  if  nothing 
unusual  is  perceived  about  the  entrance,  examine  the 
boxes.  If  the  bees  there  are  all  quiet  as  usual,  no  swarm 
need  be  immediately  apprehended,  and  you  will  probably 
have  time  to  hive  one  or  two  without  interruption. 


•  A  cnril  of  brood  from  another  liivc,  irivoii  ton  swami  iiewly-Uived,  will  ueimlly 
induce  them  to  remain  when  iliscoiiteiited. 


NATURAL   AND    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  161 

But  should  yon  discover  the  bees  running  to  and  fro  in 
great  commotion,  although  quiet  at  the  entrance,  you 
should  lose  no  time  in  sprinkling  those  outside  with  water. 
They  will  instantly  enter  the  hive  to  avoid  the  apprehend- 
ed shower.  In  half  an  hour  they  will  be  ready  to  start 
ttgain,  during  which  time  the  others  may  be  secured. 

When  any  of  the  subsequent  swarms  are  disposed  to 
unite  with  those  already  hived,  throw  a  sheet  over  to  keep 
them  out.  An  assistant  is  very  useful  at  such  times  ;  one 
can  watch  symptoms,  and  detain  the  swarms,  while  an- 
other hives  them.  Occasionally,  when  waiting  for  a  swarm 
to  start,  two  may  do  so  simultaneously.  Whenever  a  part 
was  already  on  the  wing,  I  never  succeeded  in  retarding 
the  issue  ;  it  is  then  useless  to  try  to  drive  or  coax  them 
back.  To  succeed,  the  means  must  be  applied  before  any 
part  of  the  swarm  leaves.  Two  or  more  swarms  will  clus- 
ter together  and  not  quarrel,  if  put  into  one  hive. 

SEPARATING   SWARMS. 

Spread  a  sheet  on  the  ground,  shake  the  bees  upon  the 
center  of  it,  and  set  an  empty  hive  each  side  of  the  mass  ; 
if  too  many  are  disposed  to  enter  one  hive,  set  it  farther 
off.  They  should  be  made  to  enter  rapidly.  There  ai-e 
even  chances  of  getting  a  queen  in  each  hive.  The  hives 
should  now  be  placed  twenty  feet  apart ;  if  each  has  a 
queen,  the  bees  w411  remain  quiet,  and  the  work  is  done ; 
but,  if  not,  the  bees  in  the  one  destitute  will  soon  mani- 
fest it  by  running  about  in  all  directions,  and  when  the 
queen  cannot  be  found,  will  leave  for  the  other  hive,  where 
there  are  doubless  two  ;  a  few  going  at  a  time.  In  this 
case  set  the  queenless  portion  one  side,  turn  the  remain- 
der out  upon  the  sheet,  and  let  them  enter  as  before,  keep- 
ing watch  for  the  queens,  which  indeed  should  be  borne 
in  mind  from  the  beginning.  As  the  number  of  bees 
is  much  lessened,  the  cliances  of  seeing  the  queen  are 


1G2  NATURAL   AND   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

good.  When  one  is  found,  secure  her,  and  put  with  those 
without  one.  Should  you  fail  to  find  a  queen,  and  be 
unable  to  make  a  division  in  consequence,  or  resolve  to 
let  them  remain  together,  it  is  unnecessary  to  put  them 
in  any  larger  hive  than  usual ;  but  boxes  should  ba 
immediately  put  on,  which  should  be  changed  for  empty 
ones,  as  fast  as  they  are  filled. 

SWARMS   RETURNING   TO   THE   OLD   HIVE. 

Occasionally  a  swarm  will  issue,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
return  to  the  old  stock.  The  most  common  cause  is  the 
inability  of  the  old  queen  to  fly,  on  account  of  her  burden 
of  eggs,  or  imperfect  wings.  I  have  sometimes,  after  tin 
swarm  had  returned,  found  the  queen  near  the  hive,  and 
put  her  back  ;  and  the  next  day  she  would  come  out 
again,  and  fly  Avithout  difficulty,  probably  having  dis- 
charged some  of  her  eggs. 

Sometimes  a  swarm  will  issue  and  return  three  or  four 
days  in  succession,  but  this  may  generally  be  remedied,  as 
it  is  often  owing  to  some  inability  of  the  queen  ;  and  she 
may  frequently  be  found  while  the  swarm  is  leaving,  out- 
side the  hive,  unable  to  fly.  In  such  circumstances,  have 
a  queen  cage  ready  and  socuro  her  as  soon  as  slie  appears. 
Get  the  empty  hive  for  the  swarm,  and  a  large  cloth,  and 
put  down  a  bottom-board  a  few  feet  from  the  stock.  The 
swarm  is  sure  to  come  back,  and  the  first  bees  that  alight 
on  the  hive  will  set  up  the  call.  As  soon  as  you  perceive 
this,  lose  no  time  in  setting  the  old  stock  on  the  board  at 
one  side,  covering  it  with  the  cloth.  Put  the  new  one  in 
its  place  on  the  stand,  and  the  queen  in  it ;  in  a  few  min- 
utes the  swarm  will  be  in  the  new  hive,  when  it  can  be 
removed  and  the  old  one  replaced. 

AFTER-SWARMS. 

After-swarms  are  all  that  issue  after  the  first,  called 
second,  third,   etc.,  for  convenience.     AVhenever,  in   u 


NATURAL   AND    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  163 

prosperous  season,  the  first  swarm  is  not  kept  back  by 
foul  weather,  the  first  of  the  young  queens  in  the  old 
colony  is  ready  to  emerge  from  the  cell  in  seven  or  eight 
days.  The  second  swarm  may  be  expected  in  about  two 
days  thereafter.  On  the  morning  of  that  day,  or  the 
evening  previous,  by  putting  your  ear  close  to  the  hive, 
and  listening  attentively  a  few  minutes,  you  will  hear  a 
distinct  piping  noise  like  the  word  "  peep,"  uttered  several 
times  in  succession,  and  followed  by  an  interval  of  silence. 
Two  or  more  may  be  head'd  at  the  same  time  ;  one  will  be 
shrill  and  fine,  another  hoarse,  short,  and  quick.  These 
notes  are  probably  never  heard  except  when  the  hive  con- 
tains a  plurality  of  queens.  I  never  failed  to  hear  it, 
previous  to  any  after-swarm,  whenever  I  listened. 

PREVEXTIXG    AFTER-SWARMS. 

A  very  decided  improvement  in  practice,  for  those  who 
have  hitherto  allowed  their  bees  to  swarm  at  will,  is  to 
permit  but  one  swarm  to  issue.  As  this  will,  in  an  aver- 
age season,  give  a  satisfactory  increase,  and  furnish  more 
or  less  surplus,  it  will,  to  many,  prove  a  desirable  method. 
I  shall  therefore  give  directions  for  preventing  after- 
swarms.  When  the  first  swarm  issues,  hive  it  as  just  de- 
scribed. Twenty-four  hours  later,  open  the  hive  from 
which  it  came,  and  remove  all  the  queen-cells.  Smoke 
the  bees  thoroughly,  and  introduce  a  laying  queen,  as  di- 
rected in  Chap.  YIII.  Examine  the  hive  a  few  days  later, 
to  ascertain  if  the  queen  lias  been  accepted,  when,  if  no 
queen-cells  have  been  overlooked,  swarming  will  usu- 
ally be  ended  for  the  season. 

Another  method  which  I  prefer,  is  to  prepare  a  nucleus, 
as  elsewhere  mentioned,  in  tlie  hive  which  is  to  receive 
the  swarm.  A¥ith  this  method,  the  queens  should  first 
have  their  wings  clipped.  When  the  swarm  starts,  go  to 
the  hive,  and  watch  for  the  queen.      Her  Aving  being 


104  NATUKAL   AND    AKTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

clipped,  she  cannot  fly,  and  can  easily  be  found.  Put  her 
in  a  queen  cage,  a  supply  of  which  should  always  be  at 
hand.  As  soon  as  the  bees  have  all  issued,  remove  the 
old  hive  from  the  stand  and  put  a  new  one  in  its  place, 
covering  it  with  the  same  roof,  to  identify  the  spot,  and 
place  the  caged  queen  at  the  entrance.  Carry  the  old 
hive  to  the  stand  occupied  by  the  nucleus,  and  put  it  in 
its  place.  Open  the  nucleus,  find  and  cage  the  queen, 
and  place  lier  in  the  old  hive  between  two  combs.  Next 
shake  all  the  bees  from  the  nucleus  in  front  of  this  hive, 
and  take  these  combs  to  the  old  stand,  and  if  the  work 
has  been  done  so  quickly  that  the  swarm  has  not  yet  com- 
menced to  return,  place  these  combs  at  the  center,  or, 
better,  alternate  them  with  empty  combs.  As  the  swarm 
returns,  release  the  queen,  and  psrmit  her  to  enter  with 
the  rest.  The  queen  in  the  other  hive  may  be  liberated 
the  next  day.  Care  must  be  observed  that  the  bees  do 
not  enter  adjacent  hives,  which  will  frequently  happen. 
Several  light  sheets  should  always  be  at  hand  to  spread 
over  such  hives  as  they  may  attempt  to  enter. 

"When  bees  leave  the  hive  in  swarming,  thcv  seem  to 
relinquish  all  claims  to  the  old  location.  I  have  known 
them  to  enter  several  adjoining  hives.  The}'  are  usually 
readily  accepted  at  such  times,  as  they  are  filled  with 
honey.  The  practice  of  clipping  the  queen's  wings,  and 
hiving  swarms  thus,  is  advocated  by  some,  for  the  assign- 
ed reason  that  if  several  swarms  issue  at  the  same  time, 
they  would  separate  and  return  to  their  respective  hives, 
thus  saving  much  trouble.  With  this,  my  experience 
does  not  coincide,  particularly  if  the  bees  attempt  to 
alight,  which  two  or  more  swarms  together  are  much 
more  likely  to  do.  Such  are  quite  apt  to  all  return  to  one 
hive,  and  usually  to  one  of  those  from  which  they  issued, 
yet  these  too,  will  often  scatter,  and  enter  different  hives. 
This  I  offer  as  an  objection  to  this  plan.  As  it  is  essen- 
tiallv  the  same  in  result  as  the  first  method  suggested  in 


STATURAL   AX  I)    ARTIFICIAL   IXCREASE.  105 

"Artificial  Increase,''  I  advise  those  who  can  do  so,  not 
to  allow  them  to  fly. 

I  recommend  these  latter  methods,  for  those  who  feel  in- 
competent to  judge  of  the  proper  time  to  make  svv'arms. 
In  the  latter  case,  the  occurrence  of  swarming  determines 
the  period  for  the  operation,  while  in  the  former,  the 
bee-keeper  must  select  the  colony,  and  use  his  discretion 
as  to  whether  it  is  in  condition  to  furnish  a  swarm.  By 
ooserving  the  indications  of  the  queen  cells,  it  is  easily  seen 
if  a  swarm  will  soon  he  ready,  and  it  may  he  made  arti- 
ficially, thus  avoiding  the  annoyances  mentioned  as  occur- 
ring when  they  are  allowed  to  issue  in  the  natural  way. 

ARTIFICIAL    INCREASE. 

Those  who  wish  to  increase  their  colonies  by  the  best 
methods,  and  avoid  the  perplexities  of  natural  swarming, 
will  do  so  by  dividing,  or  as  otherwise  termed,  making 
artificial  swarms.  It  is  impossible  to  state  the  precise 
date  Avhen  this  increase  can  be  most  profitably  made,  as  it 
will  vary  in  different  seasons  and  localities,  as  Avell  as  in 
individual  stocks  in  the  same  apiary.  Increase  in  quan- 
tity of  bees,  should  at  all  times  be  borne  in  mind,  but 
when  it  is  wise  to  increase  swarms,  is  quite  another  matter. 
I  maintain  that  it  is  never  best  to  divide,  until  all  weak 
colonies  have  been  built  up  to  a  proper  standard,  by  tak- 
ing brood  from  stronger  ones.  If  the  bee-keeper  is  so 
fortunate  as  to  possess  none  but  good  swarms,  he  may  add 
combs  from  time  to  time,  so  that,  at  the  proper  period 
for  boxing,  or  dividing,  there  may  be  a  larger  number  of 
combs  spared  from  the  old  stock.  Often  it  is  more  de- 
sirable to  occupy  the  colonies  to  the  best  advantage  in 
this  Avay,  than  to  increase  them  earlier.  When  colonies 
are  populous,  and  honey  plenty,  it  is  safe  to  divide. 
There  are  various  practicable  methods,  but  after  careful 
trial,  I  shall  advise  but  two.  The  first  is  this  :  In  the 
middle  of   a  fine  dav,  when  tlie  bees  are  bnsv  at  work, 


1G6  XATUIIAL   AN'I)    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

place  a  new  hive  near  the  colony  to  be  divided.  Open 
the  old  hive,  smoke  the  bees  slightly,  take  from  it  six 
frames  Avithout  shaking  the  bees  from  them,  and  i)lace 
them  in  the  new  hive.  Leave  the  two  center  combs  in 
the  old  hive,  as  well  as  the  old  queen.  Fill  the  empty 
space  with  frames  of  empty  worker  combs,  or  foundation. 
Kcmove  the  new  liive  to  another  part  of  the  apiary,  where 
a  hive  has  been  arranged  as  hitherto  explained,  with  one 
or  two  combs,  a  few  bees,  and  a  laying  queen.  Cage  the 
queen,  smoke  these  bees  thorouglily,  and  place  the  six 
combs  taken  from  the  old  hive  in  this  one.  Put  the 
caged  queen  between  two  combs  in  such  a  position  that 
she  will  have  access  to  sealed  honey,  smoke  all  well,  and 
close  the  hive.  Twenty-four  hours  after,  open  it,  using 
smoke,  and  liberate  the  queen. 

Mr.  H.  Alley,  of  Wenham,  Mass.,  one  of  the  most 
successful  queen  breeders  in  the  country  recommends 
smoking  with  tobacco,  when  uniting  bees,  and  introduc- 
ing queens.  AVhilc  I  do  not  approve  of  tlie  use  of  tobacco 
smoke  as  a  rule,  I  appreciate  the  benefit  of  having  the  bees 
pervaded  with  the  same  scent,  and  also  of  their  being 
more  completely  subdued  for  the  time.  If  the  nucleus 
has  not  been  prepared  beforehand,  to  supply  the  laying 
queens,  one  may  bo  purchased,  and  the  swarm  be  made 
ready  on  her  reception.  This  mode  of  increase  indicates 
that  each  strong  colony  may  with  safety  furnish  one  good 
swarm,  in  ordinarily  favorable  seasons,  and  many  times, 
the  new  colony  formed,  as  well  as  the  old  one,  may  each 
give  yet  another. 

But  in  view  of  the  lack  of  uniformity  in  the  seasons, 
some  being  so  poor,  as  in  1869,  that  not  even  the  very 
best  stocks  are  able  to  secure  food  for  brood-rearing — the 
second  mode  is  much  preferable,  as  it  is  equally  practica- 
ble whether  the  increase  is  to  be  extensive  or  limited,  ns 
desired,  or  as  tlie  yield  may  warrant. 

It  is  p''emised  that  a  number  of  hives  to  receive  swarms 


ISTATURAL   AND   ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  107 

have  been  prepared  as  nuclei,  and  each  contains  one  or 
two  combs  with  a  queen,  and  a  small  quantity  of  bees. 
When  the  colony  becomes  populous,  and  honey  is  gath- 
ered freely,  a  comb  containing  sealed  brood  may  be  re- 
moved, and  replaced  with  empty  comb  or  foundation. 
Shake  the  bees  from  this  frame  in  front  of  the  hive,  al- 
lowing such  young  bees  as  cling  to  it  to  remain,  and 
make  room  for  it  in  a  nucleus  by  moving  the  division 
board  farther  to  one  side.  If  the  weather  continues  favor- 
able, examine  the  old  colony  two  or  three  days  later,  and 
if  the  last  comb  added  is  found  to  be  tilled  with  eggs 
and  honey,  another  comb  of  brood  may  be  removed 
and  added  to  the  nucleus.  If  there  are  several  stocks 
from  which  increase  is  to  be  made,  a  comb  may  be  taken 
from  each  simultaneously ;  but  if  six  or  seven  are  thus 
taken  at  one  time,  and  united  to  fill  a  hive  where  a  queen 
and  but  few  bees  are  in  waiting,  the  queen  should  be  first 
caged,  and  the  old  bees  carried  with  the  combs,  instead 
of  being  shaken  off  as  before  directed,  as  a  larger  quantity 
of  bees  than  the  nucleus  contains  will  be  required  to 
cover  and  care  for  so  much  brood.  Always  be  sure  that 
the  queen  is  not  on  the  combs  thus  removed.  In  a  few 
days  after  this  colony  is  formed,  another  may  be  made 
from  the  same  stocks.  The  queen  should  be  released  in 
twenty-four  hours  after  the  swarm  is  made,  always  using 
smoke  freely  at  such  times.  The  advantages  of  this 
method  are  apparent.  If  honey-gathering  should  sud- 
denly cease,  as  sometimes  happens,  no  partly  filled  hives 
will  be  on  hand,  as  when  all  but  one  or  two  combs  are 
tnken  from  the  old  hive.  I  recall  one  occasion  when  I 
divided  several  colonies  in  May,  giving  each  part  four 
eombs  and  four  empty  frames.  Bad  weather  supervened, 
and  in  fact  little  honey  was  gathered  during  the  entire 
summer,  and  I  was  obliged  to  unite  the  divided  colonies 
to  i'ring  them  to  a  proper  condition  for  winter. 


168  NATURAL   AND    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE. 

STRAIGHT   COMBS. 

A  consideration  worthy  of  notice  in  regard  to  the 
frames  filled  with  new  combs  during  these  operations,  is, 
that  if  the  new  one  be  built  between  two  that  are  true 
and  straight,  it  must  itself  be  perfectly  straight.  Fre- 
quently, where  several  frames  are  filled  with  foundation, 
the  cells  in  one  will  be  built  longer  at  the  top  than  those 
on  the  one  opposite,  making  them  fit  less  exactly  when 
their  position  is  changed.  This  plan  of  dividing  is  recom- 
mended as  efficacious  in  preventing  the  desire  to  swarm. 

CONTROLLING    SWARMING. 

Many  bee-keepers  prefer  surplus  honey  to  increase  of 
stocks.  This  is  often  the  case  with  those  who  keep  but 
one  or  two  swarms,  to  supply  lioney  for  home  use.  Those 
who  pursue  bee-keeping  for  profit,  in  sections  where  the 
honey  yield  is  brief  in  duration,  find  that,  as  a  rule,  the 
less  increase  made,  the  greater  the  gain  in  surplus.  But 
in  other  sections,  where  the  yield  is  prolonged,  it  fre- 
quently happens  that  stocks  may  be  doubled,  and  more 
honey  secured  from  each  of  the  two,  than  would  have 
been  produced  by  the  old  stock,  with  a  gain  of  the  new 
colony  besides.  As  the  apiarian  can  not  know  in  ad- 
vance what  the  duration  of  the  honey  harvest  will  be,  we 
who  have  short  seasons  must  practice  a  system  of  man- 
agement which  is  suggested  by  the  idea  that  the  less  in- 
crease the  better,  provided  the  desire  to  swarm  is  con- 
trolled. 

NON-SWARMING    HIVES. 

With  this  idea  in  view,  many  hives  have  been  devised 
and  devices  suggested,  all  of  which  have  been  partial  fail- 
ures. Probably  the  New  Quinby  Hive  attains  this  end  as 
nearly  as  any,  but  it  has  never  been  claimed  to  be  a  com- 
plete non-swarming  liive.     Its    facility  for   furnishing 


NATURAL   AXD    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  IGO 

abundant  box-room  when  limiting  the  number  of  frames, 
constitutes  its  chief  merit  in  this  direction.  The  ability 
to  control  the  desire  to  swarm  will  be  found  in  the  meth- 
ods to  be  practised,  rather  than  in  any  particular  form 
of  hive  or  mechanical  device. 

METHODS. 

I 

It  is  evident  that  swarming  may  be  prevented,  and  yet 
the  course  pursued  be  very  unsatisfactory.  For  instance, 
a  colony  that  had  made  fine  progress  in  boxes,  became 
very  populous,  and  attempted  to  swarm.  I  cut  out  all 
queen-cells,  and  removed  the  queen.  Now,  I  certainly 
was  master  of  the  situation,  as  they  did  not  attempt  to 
swarm  again,  until  nine  days  later.  But  the  amount  of 
work  done  in  storing  honey  during  this  period,  was  incon- 
siderable. The  bees  clung  to  the  hive,  seemingly  waiting 
until  a  queen  could  be  reared  to  lead  out  a  swarm.  On 
the  ninth  day  I  again  removed  queen-cells,  and  introduced 
a  young,  prolific  queen,  with  clipped  wing.  I  closed  the 
hive,  and  walked  to  another  part  of  the  yard,  when  I 
turned  and  saw  the  swarm  issuing.  I  caught  the  queen 
as  she  came  out,  and  caged  her. 

Knowing  that  it  would  be  undesirable  to  let  them  re- 
turn to  the  old  hive,  I  removed  it  to  a  distant  stand  and 
put  a  new  hive  in  its  place,  to  which  they  might  return. 
This  hive  was  furnished  Avith  empty  frames,  and  the 
young  queen  again  given  them.  An  hour  later  they  made 
another  attempt,  this  time  with  the  evident  purpose  of 
leaving  the  vicinity,  but  finding  that  the  queen  did  not 
accompany  them,  again  returned.  I  mention  this  in- 
stance to  show  the  necessity  of  action  before  the  desire  to 
swarm  is  developed.  I  think  the  exj^erience  of  many  will 
coincide  with  my  own,  that,  as  a  rule,  if  hives  are  prop- 
erly ventilated  and  shaded,  with  plenty  of  room  for  sur- 
plus, and  openings  to  boxes  free  and  immediate,  and  am- 
8 


170  NATURAL    AND    ARTIFICIAL    INCREASE. 

pie  space  afforded  the  queen  to  deposit  eggs,  the  impulse 
to  swarm  will  usually  be  held  in  cheek.  Colonies  with 
young  queens  are  not  so  apt  to  endeavor  to  swarm.  For 
ten  years  past  I  have  extracted  honey  largely,  taking  it 
by  the  ton  each  season  (excepting  1869),  and  I  have  never 
had  a  stock  attempt  to  swarm  which  was  extracted  reg- 
ularly each  week.  This  indicates  some  of  the  conditions 
necessary  to  control  the  tendency  to  swarm.  Bat  where 
hives  are  boxed,  the  problem  is  a  more  perplexing  one. 

DEPRIVING    OF   A    C^UEEN. 

There  is  a  practice  advocated  which  is  based  upon  the 
fixed  principle  that  a  swarm  will  not  issue,  and  found  a 
new  colony,  without  a  queen.  Consequently,  if  a  hive  is 
made  queenless  at  the  beginning  of  the  swarming  ceason, 
no  swarm  can  issue  until  another  queen  is  in  some  way 
supplied.  If,  on  the  ninth  day  after  the  queen  is  taken 
away,  all  queen-cells  are  removed,  the  brood  will  be  so 
far  advanced  that  other  queens  cannot  be  reared,  and  the 
colony  will  remain  destitute  until  the  apiarian  supplies 
the  deficiency. 

I  have  practised  this  method  to  quite  an  extent,  but 
there  are  such  evident  disadvantages  in  it,  that  I  cannot 
recommend  its  general  adoption,  at  least,  by  the  inexpe- 
rienced. Under  suitable  circumstances,  there  are  benefits 
to  be  derived  from  it  by  the  skilful  apiarian,  where  sev- 
eral apiarie.5  are  located  at  a  distanco,  and  absolute  con- 
trol of  each  swarm  is  important,  without  the  necessity  of 
constant  supervision.  Another  point  in  its  favor  is,  that 
swarms  can  be  controlled  with  less  labor. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Were  I  to  have  an  apiary  under  my  immediate  super- 
vision, and  desire  to  obtain  the  best  possible  yield  of 
honey,  in  sections  like  Central  New  York,  I  should  al- 


XATUKAL    AXD    ARTIFICIAL   INCREASE.  ITl 

low  no  increase  of  swarms.  I  would  select  the  best  half 
of  my  stocks  for  boxing,  as  from  such,  box-honey  must 
be  secured,  and  extract  from  the  remainder,  observing 
the  rule  to  "keep  each  hive  supplied  with  a  laying 
queen."'  In  removing  cards  of  brood  from  those  that 
were  boxed,  and  replacing  them  with  foundation,  to  pre- 
vent swarming,  I  would  furnish  them  to  the  hives  being 
extracted.  This  plan  Avill  be  found  satisfactory  in  sea- 
sons when  the  yield  is  light.  If,  in  a  productive  season  a 
moderate  increase  is  wanted,  the  last  course  recommended 
in  Artificial  Increase,  should  be  adopted.  Just  the  num- 
ber of  combs  that  should  be  t.iken  from  e.,ch  colony,  and 
the  fi'equency  of  the  oiieration,  to  prevent  swarming,  will 
depend  materially  upon  circumstances,  and  demand  some 
experience  and  close  observation.  The  rule  is,  that  an 
incomplete  comb  must  occupy  the  center,  directly  in  front 
of  the  entrance. 

Occasionally,  a  refractory  colony  will  persist  in  a  per- 
tinacious attempt  to  swarm.  I  have  often  mot  this  emer- 
gency by  changing  its  place  at  mid-day,  when  all  were  work- 
ing rapidly,  with  one  that  Avas  being  extsactcd.  If  there 
is  no  such  colony,  and  a  light  ono  is  found  that  does  not 
take  possession  of  the  boxes,  I  exchange  with  that,  often 
benefiting  both.  Eemember  always,  that  this  must  not 
be  done,  except  during  rapid  honey-gathering,  as  it  would 
endanger  the  safety  of  the  queen.  At  other  than  such 
times  it  may  become  necessary  to  remove  liirger  quanti- 
ties of  brood  from  such  colonies,  and  supply  empty  combs 
or  foundation.  Otherwise,  it  is  sometimes  well  to  remove 
the  boxes,  and  furnish  combs  for  extracting. 

HINTS   FOR    EXCEPTIONAL   SEASONS. 

Four  seasons  ago  (1875)  our  honey  harvest  was  very 
short ;  swarming  was  decidedly  unprofitable.  Usual- 
ly but  one  swarm  issued,  and  in  such  instances  both 


172  BOXING    AXD   SURPLUS    HONEY. 

old  and  new  swarms  scarcely  stored  enough  honey  for 
winter.  In  my  own  apiary  I  prevented  all  swarming,  and 
m  some  cases,  used  cards  of  brood  from  one  swarm  to 
build  up  others.  This  was  simply  making  one  aid  in  fit- 
ting the  other  to  gather  surplus,  that  could  not  be  other- 
wise secured  during  such  an  unfavorable  period.  The 
thoughtful  bee-keeper  may  often  turn  such  meager  yields 
to  profitable  account  by  skilful  and  judicious  manage- 
ment. If,  by  a  little  forethought  and  study,  even  one- 
half  the  usual  amount  be  secured,  the  demand  is  increased 
by  the  scarcity,  and  the  price  is  proportionally  better,  so 
that  the  income  Avill  not  be  so  much  reduced  as  may  be 
supposed.  It  might  be  well  indeed  to  diminish  the  num- 
ber of  colonies  in  such  emergencies,  by  uniting,  and  thus 
increase  the  working  capacity  of  a  less  number  to  marked 
advantage. 


CHAPTER    X. 
BOXING  AND  SURPLUS  HONEY. 

PUTTING    ON    BOXES. 

There  is  no  operation  connected  Avith  the  care  of  bees 
that  requires  m  )ro  cxpsrienoo  and  careful  observation, 
than  that  of  putting  on  and  taking  off  boxes;  for,  to  de- 
cide upon  the  precise  time  when  boxes  are  needed,  in- 
volves a  nicety  of  Judgment  which  long  experience  only 
can  give.  The  proper  date  for  supplying  boxes  will  vary 
with  the  climate,  strength  of  colonies,  and  yield  of  honey. 
While  yet  inexperienced  I  made  serious  mistakes  in  plac- 
ing boxes  upon  my  hives  too  early  in  the  season.  In  this 
immediate  section,  the  time  when  boxes  will  usually  be 
needed  upon  the  best  swarms,  occurs  soon  after  raspberry 
and  clover  begin  to  bloom.     If,  before  the  opening  of  the 


BOXING    AND   SURPLUS   HONEY.  '  173 

above  mentioned  blossoms,  swarms  are  populous  enough 
to  occupy  boxes,  I  find  it  advantageous  to  take  cards  of 
brood  from  them  and  exchange  for  empty  combs  in 
weaker  swarms.  Or,  when  there  are  facilities  for  adding 
an  indefinite  number  of  frames,  as  with  the  Quinby  hive, 
I  occasionally  add  an  empty  comb  to  the  center  of  the 
brood-nest,  which  the  queen  will  soon  fill  with  eggs  ;  and 
in  this  way  increase  the  force  of  working  bees.  I  fre- 
quently add  combs  from  time  to  time  in  this  manner,  un- 
til I  have  10  or  12  frames  containing  brood  in  very  many 
hives. 

As  six  combs  are  all  that  the  hive  requires  when  boxed,  I 
remove  all  above  that  number,  leaving  only  such  as  are  well 
filled  with  brood,  and  then  arrange  the  boxes  in  place. 
These  surplus  combs  are  of  value  in  dividing  colonies  for 
increase,  or  for  adding  to  hives  designed  for  extracting, 
as  directed  in  Chap.  XI.  If  done  at  the  proper  time,  the 
brood-chamber  being  diminished  in  size,  and  the  remain- 
ing combs  filled  with  maturing  brood,  the  bees  will  at 
once  enter  the  boxes  and  commence  storing  honey.  If 
we  desire  box-honey  to  present  the  most  attractive  ap- 
pearance, it  is  essential  that  the  boxes  shall  not  be  fur- 
nished until  the  bees  are  ready  to  begin  work  at  once,  and 
will  fill  them  rapidly.  If  they  are  on  too  long  before- 
hand, the  bees  are  apt  to  round  off  the  unfinished  edges 
of  the  guide  combs,  and  are  more  reluctant  to  begin  work 
upon  them.  The  number  of  boxes  required  will  depend 
upon  the  strength  of  the  colony  and  amount  of  forage. 
It  is  quite  important  that  the  bee-keeper  can  estimate  the 
probable  duration  of  the  honey  yield,  as  it  draws  to  a 
close.  When  the  first  set  of  boxes  is  removed,  they  may 
be  replaced  with  empty  ones,  but  great  care  should  be 
exercised  not  to  add  too  many.  It  is  quite  a  common 
error,  even  with  experienced  apiarians,  to  add  boxes  so 
late  in  the  season  as  to  be  obliged  to  remove  them  when 
but  partly  filled,  and  badly  soiled.      These  unfinished 


174  BOXING   AND   SURPLUS   HONEY. 

combs  are  of  value  as  guides  in  boxes  the  ensuing  season. 
They  may  be  removed  from  the  boxes,  the  capping  cut, 
and  the  honey  taken  out  with  the  extractor.  Tlie  bees 
should  be  allowed  to  have  access  to  them,  that  they  may 
remove  all  honey  adhering  to  the  cells.  These  combs 
need  to  be  protected  from  dirt  and  dust.  I  advise,  how- 
ever, that  but  a  limited  number  of  boxes  be  placed  upon 
the  hive,  that  all  may  be  filled,  and  then  devote  the  re- 
mainder of  the  season  to  securing  new  combs  in  the  body 
of  the  hive,  for  use  as  guides.  AVhen  built  in  frames  they 
may  be  more  readily  extracted,  and  the  soiling  of  boxes 
avoided.  Or,  if  an  extra  supply  of  combs  i3  desired, 
foundation  may  be  furnished  for  the  bees  to  build  out  for 
future  use.  If  this  is  not  desirable,  empty  combs  may  be 
aided  for  extracting,  or  to  be  filled  and  reserved  for  the 
following  season's  operations,  as  suggested  in  the  Chapter 
on  Extracting.  It  is,  of  course,  profitable  to  prolong  their 
work  in  boxes,  as  long  as  they  will  complete  them  hand- 
somely. 

I  usually  put  the  first  set  of  boxes  on  the  top  of  the 
hive,  and  when  partly  filled,  remove  them  to  one  side  of 
the  combs,  and  place  a  fresh  set  at  the  top.  If  the  swarm 
is  strong,  and  the  flow  of  honey  continues,  these  may  be 
put  at  the  other  side  in  like  manner,  and  the  top  refilled. 
If  only  a  top-boxing  hive  is  used,  the  first  set  may  be 
raised  before  completion,  and  empty  ones  placed  beneath, 
with  holes  in  both  top  and  bottom,  to  permit  the  free  pas- 
sage of  the  bees.  With  swarming  restricted.  I  have  had 
thirty-two  five-pound  boxes  upon  several  hives,  in  the  en- 
tire number  of  which  bees  were  so  freely  at  work  as  to 
complete  twenty-four  of  them  at  nearly  the  same  time. 
Do  not  entertain  the  idea  that  all  swarms  will  gather 
such  amounts.  It  will  frequently  occur  that  ?ome 
swarms  will  not  occupy  all  the  boxes  furnished,  or  tliey 
may  discontinue  work  before  they  are  completed.  These 
may  often  be  removed,  and  given  to  such  colonies  as  will 


BOXING   AND   SURPLUS  HONEY.  175 

be  likely  to  finish  them.  Many  bee-keepers  meet  this 
emergency  by  feeding  extracted  honey  of  good  quality 
very  freely,  thus  stimulating  the  bees  to  renewed  exer- 
tion. Directions  on  this  point  will  be  found  in  the  Chap- 
ter on  Feeding, 

One  of  the  prime  essentials  in  boxing  is  ease  of  access 
from  the  body  of  the  hive.  It  is  true,  that  when  boxes 
are  very  accessible,  the  queen  will  at  times  enter  them, 
and  deposit  eggs  therein,  yet  the  advantages  of  this  prox- 
imity are  so  great  that  this  objection  is  more  than  coun- 
terbalanced. Where  but  few  brood-cells  appear,  they  may 
be  removed,  but  if  nearly  filled  with  brood,  the  boxes 
should  be  placed  where  the  bees  may  hatch  and  enter  the 
hive.  The  honey-board  as  mentioned  in  connection  with 
the  use  of  two-comb  boxes  should  not  be  more  than  '/^ 
in.  thick.  One  reason  why  so  little  box-honey  can  be 
secured  from  box-hives,  lies  in  the  fact  that  the  bees  must 
pass  through  hole?  in  the  top  of  the  hive,  which  is  gen- 
erally an  inch  thick, 

KEMOVIXG    BOXES, 

All  boxes  should  be  promptly  removed  as  soon  as  full. 
Thus  the  boxes  will  not  be  soiled,  and  the  delicate  white- 
ness of  the  combs  will  be  unsullied  by  the  frequent  pass- 
ing of  the  bees  over  them,  I  prefer  to  perform  the  oper- 
ation in  the  middle  of  the  day,  for  they  then  contain  the 
fewest  bees,  but  it  may  be  done  at  any  time.  Place  the 
box  near  the  entrance  of  the  hive,  and  tap  it  gently  a  few 
times,  when  the  bees  will  usually  all  leave  it.  If  any 
bees  are  indisposed  to  leave,  and  there  are  large  numbers 
of  boxes  to  be  cared  for,  they  may  be  arranged  in  a  pile, 
so  that  all  bees  can  escape,  in  a  closed  room,  and  a  caged 
queen  placed  in  a  nucleus  box  among  them,  when  they 
will  all  gather  with  the  queen.  In  bringing  home  large 
quantities  of  box-honey  from  apiaries  away  from  home,  I 
have  often  in  this  manner  Droservcd  bees  that  lack  of 


176  BOXING    AND   SUKPLLS    HONEY. 

time  would  not  allow  me  to  remove  before  leaving  the 
yard.  These  may  be  utilized  by  making  a.  nucleus  for 
queen-rearing,  or  strengthening  some  weak  ptock.  With 
the  section  box  that  is  not  glassed  before  being  filled, 
there  is  little  trouble  in  removing  the  bees,  as  they  may 
be  easily  shaken  or  brushed  off.  The  smoker  is  particu- 
larly serviceable  in  these  various  operations  with  boxes. 

CARE   OF   BOX   HONEY. 

At  this  busy  season,  when  the  time  of  the  bee-keeper  is 
so  wholly  occupied,  the  honey  must  be  cared  for  as 
quickly  as  possible,  and  placed  where  it  may  remain  until 
it  is  to  be  prepared  for  market.  As  each  box  is  taken 
from  the  hive,  it  should  be  examined  to  ascertain  if  any 
cells  contain  bee-bread.  Such  boxes  should  be  kept  by 
themselves,  where  they  may  be  looked  to  frequently,  as 
moth-worms  are  much  more  liable  to  be  found  in  them. 
Honey  should  be  kept  in  a  dry,  cool,  dark  room.  If  it 
could  be  located  on  the  north  side  of  a  building,  where 
the  sun's  rays  would  not  strike  it,  it  would  be  preferable. 
When  packing  away,  let  the  boxes  occupy  tbe  eame  posi- 
tion, vertically,  as  when  upon  the  hive.  If  th?  room  is 
cool,  there  will  be  little  danger  of  injury  from  the  larvae 
of  the  moth,  yet  it  should  be  occasionally  exp.mined,  and 
if  any  are  found,  let  them  be  removed  at  once.  If  they 
are  discovered  between  combs,  where  they  are  not  acces- 
sible, they  may  be  destroyed  by  the  fumes  of  brimstone. 

Put  tlie  boxes,  with  the  holes  open,  in  a  close  barrel  or 
box  that  will  confine  the  air  as  much  as  possible.  Leave 
a  place  for  a  dish,  in  which  to  burn  some  sulphur  matchee 
made  by  dipping  paper  or  rags  in  melted  brimstone. 
When  all  is  ready,  ignite  the  matches,  and  cover  closely 
for  several  hours.  A  little  care  is  necessary  to  use  the 
right  quantity  ;  too  little  will  not  kill  the  larvae,  and  too 
much  injures  tiic  color  of  the  combs.     In  ma^Jng  the 


BOXING   AND   SURPLUS   HONEY.  177 

matches,  much  less  sulphur  will  adhere  to  paper,  when  it 
is  very  hot,  than  when  just  above  the  temperature  neces- 
sary to  melt  it. 

If  it  were  not  for  tlie  fact  that  the  moth-larvae  are 
much  more  liable  to  be  troublesome,  it  would  be  beneficial 
to  keep  box-honey  in  a  moderately  warm  room,  as  a  higher 
temperature  would  facilitate  its  perfect  ripening. 

Mr.  G.  M.  Doolittle  approves  of  placing  it  in  a  room, 
on  the  sunny  side  of  the  hou^e,  where  it  will  be  subject 
to  a  high  temperature.  He  arranges  his  boxes  on  a 
rack  designed  for  the  purpose,  so  that  the  fumes  of  brim- 
stone, which  he  bums  in  the  room,  will  come  in  contact 
with  every  comb.  The  heat  of  the  room  will  soon  ad- 
vance the  brood  of  the  moth.  This  plan  has  some  spe- 
cial features  to  recommend  it,  as  it  does  not  involve  an 
examination  of  the  boxes  to  ascertam  their  condition. 
Besides,  it  practically  rids  them  of  all  moth-eggs,  so  that 
none  are  left  to  hatch  and  make  their  appearance  after 
the  honey  passes  into  the  dealer's  hands. 

PRESENCE    OF    LARV.E. 

The  question  is  naturally  suggested  at  this  point, 
**  How  does  the  moth  get  into  the  box  to  lay  her  eggs  ?  " 
I  cannot  answer  this  better  than  by  quoting  Mr.  Quinby's 
words  :  "I  have  taken  off  glass  jars  of  honey,  and 
watched  them  until  the  bees  were  all  out,  and  was  certain 
the  moth  did  not  come  near  them ;  then,  immediately 
sealed  them  up,  absolutely  preventing  any  access,  and  felt 
quite  sure  that  I  should  have  no  trouble  with  the  moth- 
larvje.  But  I  was  sadly  mistaken.  In  a  few  days,  I 
could  see  a  little  white  dust,  like  flour,  on  the  side  of  the 
combs,  and  bottom  of  the  jar.  As  the  larvae  grow  larger, 
this  dust  was  coarser.  By  looking  closely  at  the  combs,  a 
small,  white  thread-like  line  could  be  perceived,  enlarg- 
ing as  the  larvae  progressed.     The  reader  would  like  to 


178  BOXING   AND  SURPLUS  HONEY. 

know  liow  they  came  in  the  jars,  when  to  all  appearance, 
it  was  a  p.  ysical  impossibility.  I  would  like  to  give  a 
positive  answer,  but  cannot.  I  will  offer  a  theory,  how- 
ever, which  is  original,  and  therefore  open  to  criticism. 
If  there  is  any  better  solution  of  the  problem,  I  would  te 
glad  to  hear  it.  From  the  1st  of  June  until  late  in  the 
fall,  the  moth  may  be  found  around  our  hives,  active  at 
night  but  quiet  by  day.  Her  only  object,  probably,  is  to 
find  a  suitable  place  to  deposit  her  eggs,  where  her  young 
may  have  food.  If  no  proper  and  convenient  place  is 
found,  she  will  be  content  with  such  as  she  can  find.  The 
eggs  must  be  deposited  somewhere,  and  she  leaves  them 
in  the  cracks  of  the  hive,  in  the  dust  at  the  bottom,  or  out- 
side as  near  the  entrance  as  she  dare  approach.  The  bees 
running  over  them  may  accidentally  attach  one  or  more 
to  their  feet  or  bodies,  and  carry  them  among  the  combs 
where  they  will  be  left  to  hatch.  It  is  not  at  all  probable 
that  the  moth  ever  passed  through  the  hive,  among  the 
bees,  to  deposit  her  eggs  in  the  jars  before  mentioned. 
Had  these  jars  been  left  on  the  hive,  not  a  larvae  would 
have  ever  defaced  a  comb ;  because,  when  the  bees  are 
numerous,  each  one  is  removed  as  soon  as  it  commences 
its  work  of  destruction — that  is,  when  it  works  on  the 
surface,  as  it  does  in  the  boxes.  By  taking  off  these  jars, 
and  removing  the  bees,  all  the  eggs  that  happened  to  be 
there  had  a  fair  chance. " 

SUGGESTIONS      POR      SECURING     CHOICE     SPECI3IENS     OF 
HONEY. 

It  is  often  desirable  to  secure  some  very  choice  speci- 
mens of  honey,  for  exhibition  or  other  special  purj)oses. 
As  the  suggestions  given  will  also  indicate  some  points 
that  will  be  useful  in  general  practice,  they  may  be  ol 
value  to  all  lx?ginners.  The  first  consideration  is  to  select 
a.  time  when  that  class  of  blossoms  which  produces  the 


BOXIN"G    A>fD    SURPLUS    HONEY.  179 

finest  lionej,  f urnislieo  a  profuse  supply.  In  this  section, 
this  bloom  would  be  basswood.  Next,  the  fact  that  when 
honey  is  gathered  and  combs  constructed  most  rapidly, 
the  apijearance  is  most  sujoerior,  indicates  that  a  vigorous 
colony  should  be  chosen. 

For  reasons  given  in  Chap.  II.,  native  bees  should  be 
selected,  if  box-honey  is  to  be  produced  ;  and  Italians  for 
extracted.  A  new,  clean  hive  should  be  prepared,  and 
the  frames  supplied  with  full  cards  of  foundation.  Let 
this  hive  take  the  place  of  the  colony  chosen  ;  then  shake 
all  the  bees  into  it.  Neatness  in  and  about  the  hive  is 
very  important.  Do  not  allow  the  bees  even  to  pass  over 
an  old  and  soiled  alighting  board,  but  give  them  a  new 
one.  If  dust  is  flying  to  any  extent,  brush  it  off  of  the 
board  frequently.  The  effect  upon  the  color  of  new  combs 
when  built  between  old  and  dark  combo,  is  more  than 
would  at  first  be  supposed.  I  have  had  full  cards  of  new 
combs  built  with  great  rapidity  in  this  way,  when  they 
were  too  dark  to  be  used  as  guides  in  boxes.  In  prepar- 
ing boxes,  observe  perfect  neatness,  and  use  the  purest 
white  comb  for  guides,  not  more  than  3  inches  X 1'/,  inch 
in  size.  Worker  comb  will  present  the  finest  appearance. 
If  all  the  requirements  have  been  attended  to,  the  founda- 
tions will  bo  dra^\n  out  in  48  hours,  sufficientlv  to  warrant 
}>utting  the  boxes  in  place.  If  to  be  extracted,  the  combs 
will  soon  be  ready  to  empty. 

Where  the  brood-nest  may  be  reduced  at  pleasure,  I 
should  limit  the  space  so  as  to  crowd  the  bees  into  the 
boxes ;  as  they  should  commence  work  as  soon  as  they 
have  acccLS  to  them.  The  boxes  should  be  removed  as 
soon  as  filled.  The  care  and  neatness  here  inculcated 
will,  if  habitual,  have  a  perceptible  effect  upon  the  ap- 
pearance and  reputation  of  the  products  of  our  apiaries. 


180 


THE    HONEY    EXTRACTOR   AXD    ITS    USE. 


CHAPTER    XI. 
THE  HONEY  EXTRACTOR  AND  ITS  USE. 


ITS    VALUE. 


Second  only  in  importance  to  the  invention  of  movable 
frames,  is  that  of  the  machine  for  extracting  liquid 
honey  from  the  combs.     It  was  invented  by  Herr  Hrus- 


ADJUSTABLE  FRAMK 
KEST. 


Fig.  67, — UNITED  STATES  STANDARD  EXTRACTOR. 

chka,  of  Germany,  in  18G8.  The  simple  words,  ''centri" 
fngal  force.*'  solved  the  problem,  and  taught  us  all  how 
short  a  ste]i  it  often  is  from  obscurity  to  light.  Mr. 
Langstroth  had  a  glimmering  of  it,  ten  years  before, 
Avhen  he  wrote,  ''If  store  combs  could  be  made  of  gutta 
percha,  they  might  bj  emptied  of  their  contents,  and  re- 


THE   HONEY    EXTRACTOR    AND    ITS    USE. 


181 


turned  to  the  hive."  Without  the  movable  frame,  it 
would  be  impracticable  to  extract  the  honey,  and  without 
the  honey  extractor,  some  of  the  most  important  results 
from  the  use  of  mora1)le  combs,  would  be  lost.  I 
deem  the  extractor  an  absolute  necessity  in  every  well 
conducted  apiary,  and  great  honor  is  due  to  him  who 
first  demonstrated  its  practicability.  The  principle  of 
the  honey  extractor  I  am  glad  to  say,  is  unpatentable  in 
America.  There  are  several  forms  now  in  use,  some  of 
which  are  patented,  but  these  are  in  no  material  feature 
superior  to  those  that  are  not  patented. 

DESCRIPTION. 

The  principle  upon  which  the  extractors  operate,  is  es- 
sentially the  same  in  all.  A  reel  is  made  (see  fig.  67,  a,) 
of  a  suitable  size  for  the  frame  to  be  used,  around  which 
tinned  wire-cloth  of  one-quarter  inch  mesh,  is  tightly 
stretched  and  secure- 
ly nailed.  A  can 
of  heavy  tin,  Avith  a 
stout  iron  band  a- 
round  the  top  to 
strengthen  it, is  made 
large  enough  to  hold 
the  reel,  allowing  a- 
bout  one-inch  play 
between  it  and  the. 
can.  There  should 
be  at  least  4  inches 
space  beneath  the 
lower  part  of  the  reel, 
at  the  bottom  of  the 

can,    to    hold    the 

,  .   T  ,  Fi"-.  G8.— muth's  honet  extractor. 

honey.  A  honey-gate 

is  attached  to  the  lower  part  of  the  can.     A  gearing  and 

crank  are  attached  to  give  the  reel  the  required  motion. 


183 


THE  noxF^Y  i:xt:;actor  axd  its  use. 


The  reel  is  fitted  into  a  socket  at  tlie  bottom  (lig.  G7,  a.) 
A  comb  rest  (see  b,  fig.  G7),  li  useful  to  hold  small  pieces 
of  comb,  Vv-hen  it  is  desired  to  extract  less  than  whole 
curds.  There  are  two  modes  of  gesirhigj  flat  and  upj'ight, 
t'.ie  first  of  which  is  shown  in  iig,  GT.  The  figure  is  an 
illustration  of  the  U.  8.  Standard  Extractor,  ma;ie  l)y 
E.  T.  Lewis  &  Co.,  Toledo,  Ohio.  The  upright  gearing 
(iig.  GS)  is  equally  pi-actical  and  much  preferrel  by  some. 
The  best  of  this  class  is  manufactured  by  C.  F.  Muth, 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  who  deserves  creiit  for  many  desirable 
features  in  this  extractor. 

Stanley's  automatic  extractor. 

G.  W.  Stanley  & 
Brother,  of  Wyo- 
ming, N.  Y. ,  are  per- 
fecting an  extract- 
or which  they  claim 
will  turn  the  combs 
in  the  reel  without 
the  aid  of  the  oper- 
ator, as  their  posi- 
tion is  changed  by 
the  motion  of  the 
revolving  frame  (see 
fig.  (8.  a).  This  is  a 
valuable  feature  in 
an  Extractor,  and 
one  of  w^hich  we 
have  long  felt  the 
need. 


Fig.  68,  rt.— Stanley's  automatic  honey 

EXTRACTOK. 


the  use  of  the  honey  extractor. 

The  extent  to  which  the  extractor  should  be  used,  will 

depend  much  upon  the  market  for  extracted  honey.     If 

tlie  demand  was  for  both  box  and  extracted  honey,  I 

should  furnish  both.    Bee-keeping  can  be  conducted  very 


THE   HONEY    EXTRACTOR    AXD   ITS    USE.  183 

satisfactorily  wliere  all  the  surplus  honey  is  taken  with 
the  extractor.  In  fact,  I  should  much  prefer  this  method 
of  securing  the  surplus,  if  consumers  demanded  it.  This 
system  is  much  better  adapted  to  all  kinds  of  seasons 
than  that  which  involves  boxing.  By  it,  swarming 
may  be  easily  controlled,  and  if  the  season  closes  more 
abruptly  than  is  expected,  the  annoyance  of  a  great  num- 
ber of  incomplete  boxes  is  avoided. 

Brood  rearing  is  continued  more  extensively  late  in  the 
season,  in  hives  that  have  been  extracted,  consequently 
such  hives  arc  found  to  contam  a  larger  supply  of  young 
bees  when  put  in  winter  quarters.  I  have  taken  both  box 
and  extracted  honey  largely  from  the  same  apiary,  for 
several  years,  when  the  conditions  were,  in  all  respects, 
equally  favorable  to  the  production  of  both,  and  have 
had  ample  opportunity  for  noting  results. 

■^^'IIE^'  to  extract. 

It  is  seldom  necessary  to  use  the  extractor  until  the 
general  honey  yield  eommence3.  The  honey  furnished 
by  the  early  blossoms,  including  that  from  apple,  and 
other  fruit  bloom,  is  usually  required  for  breeding.  If 
occasionally  a  hive  contains  too  much  honey,  there  will 
be  others  so  light  that  comb3  should  bs  exchanged. 
There  may  be  instances  where  they  were  so  heavy  in  the 
fall,  and  the  bees  consumed  so  little  during  winter,  that 
to  facilitate  brood-rearing,  it  would  be  necessary  to  ex- 
tract the  honey  from  tha  center  combs  in  order  to  make 
room  for  the  deposition  of  eggs. 

ARRAXCiIXCr    HIVES    FOR    EXTRACTING. 

If  we  are  to  receive  the  best  returns  for  the  labor  and 
outlay  expended,  it  will  be  necessary  to  supply  the  swarms 
to  be  extracted  with  extra  combs.  If  the  hano^ino:- 
frame  hive  is  used,  an  extra  hive  should  be  filled  with 


184 


THE  HONEY  EXTRACTOR   AND   ITS   USE. 


combs,  and  placed  beneath  the  colony  (6g.  G9).    For  hold- 
ing  these  hives  together,  the  fastener  illustrated  in  fig. 


Tiff    6')— A  TWO-STOKy   UIVE 


70  is  very  useful.*  In  the  new  Quinby  hive  we  can  place 
16  combs  side  by  side.  I  have  reached  satisfactory  re- 
sults with  both  kinds  of  hive.     In  case  no  extra  combs 


Fig.  70.— VAN  kbusbn's  clasp. 


are  available,  frames  containing  foundation  must  be  added 
as  fast  as  the  bees  will  complete  them,  until  the  required 

*Thl8  wae  invented  by  C.  C.  Van  Deiisen,  and  is  an  excellent  device  for 
Bccuring  hives  to  the  bottom-board,  (ind  for  many  other  purposes.  When  not 
in  use  it  may  be  turned  back  agrainst  a  screw-head,  when  it  will  be  entirely  cnt 
of  the  way,  as  indicated  in  fig.  7U. 


THE  HOKET   EXTRACTOR   AND   ITS   USE,  185 

number  is  obtained.  This  indicates  the  wisdom  of  em- 
ploying the  bees,  at  intervals  when  their  labor  is  not 
directed  towards  surplus,  in  building  such  combs  for 
future  use,  as  elsewhere  suggested. 

HOW"   TO   EXTRACT. 

If  one  or  two  empty  frames  are  at  hand,  place  them  in 
an  empty  hive.  Eemove  the  hive  to  be  extracted  from 
its  stand,  and  put  this  empty  hive  in  its  place.  Open  the 
liive  that  has  been  removed,  find  and  cage  the  queen,  and 
place  her  in  the  empty  hive  on  the  old  stand.  Now  shake 
and  brush  the  bees  from  the  combs  in  front  of  the  empty 
hive,  and  take  the  combs  to  the  room  where  the  extract- 
ing is  to  be  done.  With  tlie  honey  knife,  remove  all  cap- 
ping from  both  sides,  where  the  honey  is  sealed  over. 
The  knife  must  be  draAvn  from  heel  to  point,  in  order  to 
cut  the  capping  off  smoothly,  and  avoid  bruising  the  ends 
of  the  cells.  After  all  the  cells  are  uncapped,  place  two 
or  four  combs  in  the  extractor,  as  it  may  hold,  and  turn 
it  with  sufficient  speed  to  throw  out  all  the  honey. 
When  the  cells  on  one  side  are  emptied,  reverse  them 
and  extract  the  opposite  side.  Proceed  in  this  way  un- 
til all  are  emptied.  Honey  may  be  thrown  from  the 
most  tender  combs  without  injuring  them.  When  ex- 
tracting from  old  combs,  we  get  no  pollen  or  anything 
but  the  pure  honey,  thereby  avoiding  the  impurities  in- 
cident to  old  fashioned  strained  honey.  The  inexperi- 
enced should  carefully  observe  the  speed  requisite  to  throw 
out  the  honey,  and  where  there  are  brood-combs,  avoid 
turning  fast  enough  to  dislodge  the  brood. 

Some  writers  claim  that  it  is  not  practicable  to  extract 
combs  which  contain  any  brood.  I  have  practised  it 
freely,  and  when  it  is  done  judiciously,  I  see  no  harm  re- 
sulting, while  several  desirable  ends  are  accomplished. 
I  do  not  wish  any  honey  that  has  been  in  the  hive  one 


186  THE   nONEY  EXTRACTOR   AXD   ITS   USE. 

winter  to  remain  sealed,  and  to  be  kept  over  until  an- 
other Avinter ;  thorough  extracting  will  avoid  this. 
Brood-rearing  is  stimulated  by  extracting  the  brood- 
combs.  8uch  combs  in  the  brood-nest  as  are  designed 
for  winter  store.?,  should  not  be  extracted  too  late  in  the 
season,  as  late-gathered  honey  U  not  usually  so  desirable 
for  winter  consumption.  In  changing  hives,  as  here- 
after directed,  and  extracting  all  the  combs,  a  marked  ad- 
vantage will  be  derived  in  tlie  expulsion  and  destruction 
of  every  moth-worm.  In  uncapping  honey  in  brood- 
combs,  use  care  not  to  disturb  the  cells  containing  brood. 
A  little  caution  is  all  that  is  necessary,  as  the  honey-cells 
are  usually  lengthened  out  more  than  the  brood-cells. 

After  the  combs  arc  all  extracted  they  should  be  arrang- 
ed in  the  hive  in  the  same  order  as  before.  If  still  more 
hives  are  to  be  extracted,  this  hive  may  be  used,  in  the 
process  of  changing,  as  above  alluded  to.  Eemove  the 
next  hive  to  be  operated  with,  put  No.  1  in  its  place, 
and  shake  all  the  bees  before  it,  when  they  will  enter,  and 
work  with  even  more  energy  than  before  the  operation. 
Extract  the  combs  from  this,  and  proceed  to  the  next  in 
the  same  manner.  When  the  round  u  completed,  place 
the  last  hive  and  its  contents  upon  the  stand  of  No.  1, 
now  occupied  by  an  empty  hive  and  bees,  shake  the  bees 
into  it,  and  release  the  queen. 

In  extracting,  I  notice  the  condition  of  each  colony. 
If  the  first  one  is  populous,  containing  a  large  amount  of 
brood,  I  select  for  the  second,  one  that  has  less  bees,  as 
in  this  way  the  brood  furnished  them,  will  place  them  in 
better  condition.  The  next  swarm  selected,  should  be 
more  populous,  and  so  on.  This  equalization  benefits  all, 
gi/ing  the  weaker  ones  more  working  force,  and  the 
better  ones  more  room  for  stores.  AVhen  the  general 
harvest  begins,  I  prefer  that  all  the  honey  then  in  the  hive 
be  extracted  and  kept  by  itself,  thus  preventing  all  mixing 
of  light  and  dark  honey.     A  little  care  in  observing  the 


THE   HONEY   EXTRACTOR   AXD    ITS   USE.  187 

cessation  of  the  yield  from  diilerent  kinds  of  flowers, 
will  enable  the  apiarian  to  keep  different  qualities  of  honey 
sejjaratc,  the  advantage  of  which  io  celf-evident. 

CUEIXG    EXTRACTED    HOXET. 

Much,  has  been  said  against  the  practice  of  extracting 
what  is  termed  unripe  honey.  It  is  maintained  that  the 
honey  must  remain  in  the  combs  until  well  citred  and 
capped  over,  I  have  refrained  from  committing  myself 
on  this  paint,  until  I  could  speak  from  years  of  experi- 
mental knowledge.  I  have  extracted  honey  in  every 
stage,  from  that  which  was  gathered  the  same  day,  to 
that  which  was  sealed  over  ;  and  I  shall  advise  extracting 
honey  before  it  is  sealed.  Much  labor  is  saved  to  the 
bees,  in  not  being  obliged  to  cap  the  cells,  and  the  opera- 
tor is  spared  the  trouble  of  uncapping  them.  If  the 
honey  is  properly  cared  for,  it  will  be  found  to  be  equally 
line,  without  regard  to  the  ripeness  when  extracted.  Cur- 
ing honey  simply  means  a  proper  evaporation  of  the 
water  it  contains.  This  is  accomplished  in  the  hive  by 
its  being  subjected  to  a  high  degree  of  temperature  be- 
fore it  is  sealed.  The  same  result  may  be  produced,  by 
maintaining  similar  conditions,  after  it  is  extracted.  I 
have  extracted  honey  in  wet  seasons,  when  it  was  unusu- 
allv  thin,  and  found  it  necessary  to  place  the  cans  in  arti- 
ficial heat,  until  it  was  sufficiently  evaporated. 

Honey  is  very  often  injured  by  being  stored  in  a 
wooden  cask  or  pail  in  a  damp  place.  It  should  be  kept 
in  tin,  or,  if  in  wood,  the  vessel  should  be  first  coated  in- 
side with  wax.  The  process  of  coating  casks  is  given  in 
Chapter  XVI.,  on  Marketing  Honey. 

Honey  should  always  be  kept  in  a  dry  room.  If  stored 
in  a  cask  which  has  first  been  coated  with  wax,  the  hole 
through  which  it  is  filled  should  be  left  open.  For  some 
years,  1  have  marketed  my  extracted  honey  in  tin  cans. 


188 


THE   nOXET    EXTRACTOR    AND    ITS    USE. 


AVhen  taken  from  the  extractors,  it  is  strained  through  a 
thin  cloth,  into  a  tin  vat  with  a  large  faucet  at  the  bot- 
tom. All  specks  rise  to 
the  top,  and  the  ship- 
ping cans  are  filled 
by  drawing  the  honey 
through  the  gate  at  the 
bottom.  Honey  may  be 
more  thoroughly  cured, 
by  passing  over  an  evap- 
orator as  shown  in  fig. 
71.  The  evaporator  is 
so  constructed  that  the 


¥\g.   71. — EVAPOKATOB. 


surface  over  Avhicli  the  honey  passes,  is  heated  by  water 
raised  to  a  proper  temperature,  which  should  not  ex- 
ceed 14Q°. 


HONEY    KNIFE. 


In  1870,  we  extracted  very  extensively,  and  in  using 
the  straight  honey  knife  or  uncapping  knife,  which  up  to 

that  time  was  the  only 
one  in  use  (fig.  72),  we 
found  that  for  rough 

Fig.  72.— STilAIGIlT   HONET   KNIFE.  ,  -        " 

and  uneven  combs,  as 
well  as  for  rapid  execution  upon  smooth  combs,  it  was 
not  of  the  most  convenient  shape.  During  that  season, 
we  experimented  to  some  ex- 
tent with  knives  bent  in  a 
great  variety  of  forms,  which 
resulted  in  the  invention  of  tlie 
curved-pointed  honey  knife 
(fig.  73).  The  fact  that  so  many  have  adopted  it ;  (some 
so  cordially  as  to  endeavor  to  make  themselves  and  otheis 
believe  that  they  originated  it),  is  ample  proof  of  its 


CUKVED-POINTED    HONET    KNIFE. 


THE   HONEY    EXTRACTOE   AND   ITS    USE.  189 

merit.  Those  who  are  familiar  with  its  history  will 
remember  that  the  first  curved-pointed  honey  knives 
that  appeared  in  market,  bore  the  stamp  of  *' Quinby 
and  Root." 

SECURING    EXTRA    COMBS   OF   HONEY. 

I  Extracting  as  well  as  boxing  should  not  be  carried  on 
too  late  in  the  season.  The  honey  gathered  in  the  fall,  is 
generally  of  inferior  quality.  When  less  honey  was  pro- 
duced, and  the  price  Avas  good,  the  poorer  qualities  would 
sell  at  fair  rates  ;  but,  now,  that  the  production  is  increas- 
ed, it  must  be  of  superior  quality  and  offered  in  an  attract- 
ive shape  to  command  fan-  returns.  I  mention  this  to 
show  that  the  later  and  poorer  qualties  of  honey  may  bo 
secured  in  suitable  shape,  and  be  of  more  value  to  the 
bee-keeper  in  the  care  of  his  bees,  than  if  sold  at  reduced 
prices.  To  this  end,  then,  ceaso  extracting  sufficiently 
early,  and  supply  hives  that  arc  boxed,  with  empty  combs, 
after  boxes  are  filled  with  white  honey.  These  extra 
combs,  when  filled  with  the  inferior  grades  of  honey, 
may  be  placed  in  a  dry,  cool  place,  and  preserved  for  the 
following  season's  use.  They  will  be  found  valuable  in 
many  operations,  especially  as  suggested  in  the  Chapter 
on  Feeding. 

SECURING    GUIDE    COMBS. 

I  often  wonder  where  we  formerly  obtained  guide- 
combs  for  our  boxes  in  sufficient  quantity,  and  of  suita- 
ble quality,  without  the  use  of  tho  extractor.  I  have 
practised  placing  two  empty  frames  in  each  hive,  one  at 
each  side  of  the  brood-nest,  and  find  that  they  will  be 
filled  each  week.*  When  extracting,  I  remove  these 
combs,  and  supply  their  place  with  empty  frames.     After 

*  I  am  satisfied  that  the  young  bees  secrete  wax,  and  build  combs  at  times 
when  they  would  otherwise  be  idle,  making  this  a  very  economical  method  of 
securing  guides. 


190  AVAX    AXD    COMB. 

extracting  the  honey  from  them,  I  place  them  where  the 
bees  will  thoroughly  clean  them  of  honey,  and  then  pack 
them  away  in  a  dry,  cool  place,  where  they  will  not  be- 
come soiled.  They  may  be  placed  in  a  box  of  suitable 
size,  with  a  door  in  the  side,  under  a  swarm,  and  should 
bo  removed  as  fast  as  cleaned. 

In  Chapter  X.,  on  Boxing,  another  mode  of  securing 
guide  combs  is  mentioned.  I  desire  i^articularly  to  call 
attention  to  these  practical  methods,  to  show  that  with  a 
little  forethought,  there  i^  no  necessity  for  using  founda- 
tion in  surplus  boxes. 

EELATIVE   AMOUNT   OF   BOX   AXD    EXTRACTED    HONEY. 

It  is  claimed  by  some  that  we  may  expect  to  secure 
twice  as  much  extracted  honey  as  box  honey.  This  may 
be  true  in  some  cases,  but  when  extracting  a  large  num- 
ber of  hives,  I  think  it  not  safe  to  expect  over  one-third 
or  one-half  more.  The  price  that  each  quality  commands 
will  determine  which  it  is  most  profitable  to  jiroduce. 


CHAPTER    XII. 
WAX    AND    CO >[ B . 

VrAX. 


During  the  summer  season,  v.Iicn  honey  is  being  gath- 
ered rapidly,  and  combs  must  bo  constructed  in  which  it. 
may  be  deposited,  the  observing  bee-keei)er  will 
notice  scales  of  wax  upon  the  under  side  of  the 
abdomen  of  the  bee,  as  seen  in  fig.  74.     Wax  is 
a  natural  secretion  of  the  honey-bee  and,  as  has 
been   demonstrated   hy  many  of    our  most  able 
apiarians,  may  be  ])roduced  l)y  feeding  honey  or 
""      '  syrup,  even  when  the  bees  arc  confined  to  the 
hive.     These  scales  are  detached  from  the  body  with  the 


WAX   AND   COMB.  191 

claws,  and  after  being  suitably  moulded  with  the  jaws 
of  the  bee,  are  used  in  the  construction  of  honey-comb. 

HONEY-COMB. 

Nothing  in  the  domestic  economy  of  the  bee-hive  is 
better  calculated  to  impress  the  observer  Avith  the  won- 
derful instinct  of  the  honey-bee  than  the  process  of 
comb-building.  The  ingenuity  which  the  bees  display  in 
the  fashioning  of  the  delicate  cells  might  well  put  human 
skill  to  the  blush.     Mr.  Quinby  says  : 

''They  need  no  lectures  on  domestic  economy  to  tell 
them  that  the  use  of  the  base  of  one  set  of  cells,  on  one 
side  of  the  comb,  for  the  base  of  those  on  the  opposite 
side,  will  save  both  labor  and  wax ;  no  mathematician, 
that  a  pyramidal  base,  with  Just  three  angles,  and  just 
such  an  inclination,  is  the  exact  shape  needed,  and  will 
take  much  less  wax  than  if  round  or  square,  that  the 
three-angled  base  of  one  cell,  forms  a  part  of  the  base  of 
throe  other  cells  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  comb,  that 
each  of  the  six  sid33  of  on3  cell,  formi  one  side  of  six 
others,  that  these  angles  and  these  only  would  answer  the 
ends  required." 

The  first  rudiments  of  comb  will  often  bo  found  v/ithin 
the  first  half  hour  after  a  swarm  is  put  in  an  empty  hive, 
and  I  have  soon  bits  of  wax — as  large  as  a  pin's  head,  on  a 
branch,  where  a  swarm  had  boen  clustered  for  a  less 
time  than  that.  The  first  deposition  of  wax  for  the  com- 
menoement  of  a  comb  seems  to  be  much  at  random,  until 
suffieient  material  is  accumulated  to  begin  the  cells. 
While  the  combs  are  in  progress,  the  bases  of  the  cells 
noar  the  edge  are  always  kept  much  the  thickest,  and  are 
worked  down  as  they  proceed.  The  edges  of  the^cells, 
when  completed,  will  always  be  found  much  thicker  than 
other  parts.  When  bees  are  allowed  to  build' their  combs 
without  interference,  they  are  quite  unlikely  to  make 


192  WAX    AXD    COMB. 

them  as  straight  as  is  desirable  ;  and  even  when  in  frames 
a  sharp  edge,  or  guide,  is  furnished,  they  will  need  some 
attention  to  make  them  carry  the  combs  straight  to  the 
bottom.  The  rapidity  with  which  comb  will  be  built, 
depends  upon  the  temperature  of  the  hive  and  amount  of 
honey  being  gathered  or  fed. 

SIZE    OF    CELLS. 

Practically,  all  cells  built  for  brood-rearing  are  assumed 
to  be  precisely  of  the  same  size,  but  close  observation  and 
measurements  prove  that  there  is  a  slight  variation.  This 
is  so  minute,  however,  that  it  does  not  materially  affect 
the  average  number  of  cells  to  the  square  inch,  which,  in 
worker-combs,  is  25  on  each  side.  The  diameter  of 
worker-cells,  therefore,  averages  about  '/^  of  an  inch. 
The  depth  is  y,^  of  an  inch.  Drone  cells  are  larger,  so 
that  four  will  about  measure  an  inch,  or  16  to  the  square 
inch.  Their  depth,  when  used  for  breeding,  is  about  y,g 
of  an  inch,  but  they  are  often  much  deeper  when  used  for 
storing  honey. 

Where  drone  and  worker  cells  are  built  on  the  same 
comb,  the  joining  of  cells  of  different  sizes  will  produce 
considerable  irregularity,  as  may  be  seen  in  fig.  2.  Even 
where  two  combs,  with  cells  of  the  same  size,  unite,  they 
are  often  quite  imperfect.  Queen  cells  are  of  exceptional 
size  and  shape,  and  are  constructed  according  to  the 
especial  needs  of  the  colony,  and  it  is  quite  frequently  the 
case  that  a  large  number  are  never  comple  ted.   (See  fig.  66. ) 

HEXAGO^'AL   SHAPE    XOT   ESSENTIAL. 

The  mtroduction  of  comb-foundation  and  experiments 
with  artificial  comb,  have  resulted  in  a  more  thorough 
understanding  of  the  essential  size  and  form  of  cells.  The 
shape  of  the  natural  cell  is  evidently  determined  more  by 
Considerations  of  economy,  strength,  and  space,  than  by 


WA.X   AND    COMB.  193 

the  inherent  necessities  of  the  bee.  It  is  proved  by  actual 
experiment  that  a  cell  with  a  flat  base  is  equally  as  prac- 
tical as  that  with  the  three-angled  base,  constructed  by 
the  bee  ;  and  I  am  confident  that  a  round  cell  of  suitable 
dimensions  would  answer  their  real  wants  as  well  as  a 
hexagonal  one. 

COST   OF    COMB. 

The  cost  of  comb  in  labor  and  material  is  largely  under- 
estimated. The  amount  of  honey  required  to  secrete  a 
pound  of  wax,  is  generally  thought  to  be  not  less  than  15 
lbs.,  and  some  assume  it  to  be  as  much  as  25  lbs.  Ad- 
mitting that  no  more  than  15  lbs.  is  used,  this  expendi- 
ture is  a  sufficient  argument  foi-  the  exercise  of  careful 
supervision  of  the  construction  of  combs,  that  none  be 
built  to  a  manifest  disadvantage,  as  well  as,  that  no  part 
shall  be  allowed  to  go  to  waste. 

ARTIFICIAL    COMB. 

While  an  artificial  comb,  with  cells  of  the  full  depth, 
and  practical  in  all  respects,  has  not  yet  been  offered  for 
our  consideration,  I  must 
express  my  belief  that  such 
will  yet  be  made.  In  1870 
Mr.  Quinby  experimented 
largely  in  this  direction,  and 
although  complete  success 
did  not  crown  his  efforts,  he 
established  some  curious  and 
interesting  facts.  He  suc- 
ceeded    in     manufacturing  ^is-  ^^• 

,  J.  T     1    i       .  •  MACHINE  FOR  METALLIC   COMB. 

combs  01  very  light  tm,  as 

follows  :     Strips  of    tin  were  cut  '7,^  inch   wide,  and 
passed  between  two  rollers  (fig.  75),  which  were  so  con- 
structed as  to  crimp  the  tin  into  the  exact  shape  of  a 
half  cell. 
9 


194 


WAX    AND   COMB. 


Fisr. 


76. — MANNER   OF    SETTING   UP 
METALLIC   COMB. 


These  strips  were  placed  together,  as  shown  in  fig.  76. 
It  will  be  seen  that  two  opposite  sides  of  each  cell  were 
composed  of  two  thicknesses  of  tin.  A  sheet  of  this  same 
light  tin  was  used  to  form  the  flat  base  of  the  cells.  After 
both  sides  were  fitted,  and  secured,  the  whole  was  dipped 
in  hot  wax,  and  was  then  ready  for  use.     The  first  piece 

tested  was  about  four 
inclies  square,  and  was 
placed  in  the  center  of  a 
frame  of  worker-comb, 
by  cutting  a  hole  of  the 
desired  size  and  fitting  it 
in  very  exactly,  so  as  to 
present  an  even  surface. 
This  was  placed  at  the 
center  of  the  cluster, 
where  the  queen  occupied  it,  filling  it  Avith  eggs. 
Just  as  she  did  the  natural  cells  adjoining ;  and  in 
due  time  the  young  bees  matured  in  both  equally  well. 
There  were  manifest  advantages  in  combs  so  constructed. 
Worms  certainly  could  not  injure  them  and  disturb  the 
bees  and  brood  ;  but  after  thoroughly  testing  them,  it  was 
evident  that  the  weight  and  expense  of  such  combs  would 
render  them  impracticable.  The  fact  was  demonstrated, 
however,  that  bees  would  accept  and  occupy  combs  of 
foreign  material.  The  practicability  of  the  flat  base,  as 
now  used  in  comb-foundations,  was  here  fully  established. 
Combs  were  also  made  of  very  tliin  sheet-iron,  untinned, 
and  were  readily  occupied,  for  both  honey  and  brood. 
The  fact  that  these  metallic  foundations  were  not  ob- 
noxious to  the  bees,  was  advance  proof  of  the  practicabili- 
ty of  incorporating  wire  in  wax  foundation  as  since  in- 
vented, and  demonstrated  by  J.  E.  Hetherington. 

Another  interesting  item  in  these  experiments  was  this. 
The  first  comb  Avas  made  with  cells  '/,  an  inch  deep. 
When  the  brood  was  sealed  over  in  tiiese  cells  the  caps 


WAX  AifD   COMB.  195 

were  placed  precisely  '/,e  inch  from  their  ends,  thus 
showing  the  exact  depth  of  natural  cells.  It  was  also 
curious  to  notice  how  readily  the  bees  would  lengthen  the 
artificial  cells  with  wax,  when  they  were  used  for  storing 
honey.  In  nearly  every  instance  they  were  extended 
enough  to  allow  them  to  be  uncapped  with  the  honey 
knife  for  extracting.  These  experiments  are  quite  suffici- 
ent to  incline  me  to  the  already  expressed  belief  in  the 
future  success  of  complete  artificial  comb. 

SUPPLYING    MATERIAL   FOE    COMB. 

The  amount  of  honey  and  labor  involved  in  the  con- 
struction of  natural  comb,  as  previously  indicated,  shows 
the  extreme  desirability  of,  in  some  way,  utilizing  refuse 
wax,  by  converting  it  into  perfect  comb  again,  rather 
than  to  dispose  of  it  at  30  cents  per  lb.  It  has  often 
been  noticed  that,  in  warm  weather,  bees  would  bite  off 
bits  of  wax  from  fragments  of  comb,  and  carry  them  into 
the  hive  to  use  in  comb-building.  I  have  been,  for  a 
long  time,  convinced,  as  I  have  since  demonstrated,  that 
this  process  might  be  facilitated  by  furnishing  the  wax  in 
some  feasible  way.  I  have  placed  tender  cappings,  that 
had  been  taken  from  new  combs  when  extracting,  in 
feeders,  where  the  bees  had  free  access  to  them,  at  a  time 
when  they  were  building  out  foundations,  and  the  wax  so 
furnished  was  speedily  appropriated  by  the  bees  and 
used  in  the  completion  of  the  combs. 

COMB-FOUXDATION. 

It  is  difficult  to  understand  why  comb-foundation  has 
received  so  little  attention  during  the  twenty  or  more 
years,  since  it  was  first  brouglit  to  notice  by  our  German 
friends.  Prof.  Cook  states  that  the  Germans  first  manu- 
factured it  in  1857,  by  merely  pressing  sheets  of  wax  be- 
tween flat,  metal  plates,  stamped  in  such  a  way  as  to 


196  WAX   AND    COMB. 

simply  leave  the  impression  of  the  bases  of  the  cells,  with- 
out any  start  whatever,  of  the  side-walls  ;  and  he  consid- 
ers this  to  be  the  extent  to  which  they  carried  the  work. 
This  is  corrected  by  E.  Kretchmer,  of  Coburg,  Iowa,  who 
writes  in  the  "American  Bee  Journal,"  of  December, 
1878,  as  follows  :  "  Comb-foundations  were  made  in 
Germany  in  1843  by  my  father ;  they  were  made  by  a 
pair  of  engraved  rollers,  and  starch  was  used  to  prevent 
the  wax  from  adhering  to  the  rollers."  This  statement 
is  corroborated  by  Mr.  Kretchmer's  •'  Guide  Book,"  pub- 
lished in  1868.  The  improvements  which  brought  foun- 
dation into  general  use  in  America,  are  accredited  to 
Frederick  Weiss.  A  modern  comb-foundation  machine 
consists  of  two  rollers  so  accurately  engraved  tliat  by 
passing  thin  sheets  of  wax  between  them,  not  only  the 
base  of  the  cell  is  formed,  but  also  the  rim  or  beginning 
of  the  side-walls. 

Comb-foundation  has  of  late  been  receiving  the  careful 
attention  of  many  skilled  workmen  and  thorough  manu- 
facturers. 

In  the  construction  of  machines  for  making  founda- 
tions with  the  natural  or  hexagonal  base,  I  think  I  am 
justified  in  saying  that  in  perfection  of  workmanship,  J. 
Vandervort,  of  Laceyville,  Pa.,  stands  at  the  head.  His 
machine  for  making  a  light  quality  of  foundation,  shown 
in  fig.  77,  is  acknowledged  to  be  the  most  perfect  one  for 
the  purpose  ever  made.  He  claims  it  to  be  the  only  ma- 
chine that  will  make  foundation  with  natural  base  as 
light  as  twelve  square  feet  to  the  pound.  Messrs.  Dadant 
&  Son,  Hamilton,  Ills.,  who  are  high  authority,  as  they 
unquestionably  manufacture  the  best  grade  of  natural 
base  foundation  in  America,  use  it  in  preference  to  any 
other. 

I  feel  certain  that  the  heavy  grades  of  this  make  for 
brood  frames  will  also  take  a  prominent  position.  Mr. 
Yandervorl   deserves  patronage  from  the  fact  that  while 


TVAX    AND    C03IB. 


197 


he  gives  us  a  better  machine,  he  also  gives  us  a  cheaper 
one. 

Mrs.  Frances  Dunham,  of  De  Pere,  Wis.,  is  the  imen- 
tor  of  a  machine  which  is  at  present  very  popuhir  for 
making  foundation  for  brood  combs.  It  is  believed  by 
many  to  be  the  best  heavy  foundation  machine  ever  made. 

Mr.  A.  I.  Root,  of 
Medina,  Ohio,  has 
done  good  work  in 
his  Avay  in  bringing 
foundation  into  pub- 
lic notice. 

Mr.  Pelham,  of 
Maysville,  Ky.,  has 
made  a  foundation 
machine  which  differs 
somewhat  in  con- 
struction from  others, 
and  has  desirable 
features. 

D.  S.  Given  &  Co., 
Hoopeston,  Ills.,  have 
invented  a  machine 
upon  a  somewhat  different  principle  from  all  others,  called 
the  ''Given  Foundation  Press"  (see  fig.  78.)  This  kind 
of  foundation  is  thought  by  some  to  be  especially  fine, 
and  the  Press  is  coming  into  quite  general  use. 

FLAT-BOTTOM    FOUNDATION. 

The  construction  of  this  foundation  is  such  that  it  can 
be  much  more  easily  made  in  largesheets  than  that  with 
hexagonal  base.  The  manufacturers  can  furnish  it  both 
light  and  heavy  in  sheets  15x30  inches,  or  larger,  which 
cannot  be  claimed  for  any  other  make  of  foundation. 

The  form  of  the  base  of  the  cell  also  makes  it  more 
practical   to  incorporate  the  fine  wire  which  is  used  in 


Fig.  77. — vandervort's  comb  founda- 
tion MACHINE. 


198 


WAX    AXI)   COM  It. 


some  of  it.     It  can  be  made  lighter  thau  the  natural 
base,  and  yet  have  the  wires  well  covered  with  wax.  Figure 


Fig.  78.— GIVEN  FOUNDATION   PRESS. 

79  shows  a  machine  for  making  foundation  of  this  kind. 
Comb-foundation  has  been  so  much  improved  that  the 


Fig.  79. — .MACHINE    FOll   MAKING    ViOIlKEU-COMB   FOI'NDATION. 

liability  of  sagging  is  much  diminished,  yet  in  extremely 
warm  weather,and  under  certain  circumstances,  it  will  sag. 


WAX  AND   COMB. 


199 


To  obviate  this  many  consider  wire  essential.  I  esteem 
foundation  thus  supported,  valuable  from  the  aid  the 
"wires  give  the  completed 
combs,  rendering  them 
less  liable  to  be  broken 
from  the  frames  while 
handling.  Flat  bottom 
foundation  ajid  the  pro- 
cess of  incorporating  wire 
(see  fig.  79,  «)  were  in  vent-  Fig.  79,  a.-FouNi>ATioN  with  wires. 

ed  and  i)ateuted  by  Capt.  J.  E.  Hetlierington,  the  well- 
known  and  extensive  apiarian,  and  is  now  controlled  by 
J.  VanDeusen  &  Sons,  Sprout  Brook,  N.  Y.,  who  are  the 
sole  manufacturers. 

USES   AND   VALUE   OF   FOUNDATION. 

Foundation  would  be  valuable,  if  only  used  as  guides 
in  frames,  as  it  "would  be  a  means  of  securing  straight 
combs.  But  its  full  worth  is  best  appreciated,  when  com- 
plete frames  of  it  are  put  into  the  brood-nest.  The  value 
of  full  cards  of  perfect  worker-comb  cannot  be  over-esti- 
mated, and  in  no  other  way  can  they  be"  so  economically 
produced.  We  arc  also  able  to  entirely  control  the  quan- 
tity of  worker-comb,  and  exclude  drone-comb  at  pleasure. 
The  value  of  foundations  in  hastening  the  increase  of 
bees,  is  apparent.  Those  without  a  supply  of  empty 
combs,  may,  during  the  spring  months,  use  foundations 
to  advantage.  I  have,  when  transferring,  thus  filled  up  a 
desired  number  of  frames  and  placed  them  in  the  center 
of  a  strong  colony  when  apple-blossoms  were  yielding 
honey.  In  48  hours,  the  cells  were  drawn  out,  and  filled 
with  eggs.  It  is  clear  that  the  value  of  the  bees  reared  in 
such  combs,  in  advance  of  those  that  could  not  be  ma- 
tured until  natural  combs  were  built,  would  more  than 
equal  the  cost  of  the  foundations. 

If  honey  is  being  gathered  rapidly,  I  should  pronounce 
good  foundations  at  such  times,  superior  to  empty  combs. 


200  WAX    AND    COMB. 

If  the  cells  are  complete,  the  bees  are  more  apt  to  fill 
them  with  honey,  thus  limiting  the  space  of  the  queen 
for  egg-laying  ;  but  as  foundation  cells  are  drawn  out,  she 
will  occupy  a  larger  proportion  of  them,  during  the  pro- 
cess. If  drone-combs  are  desired  for  extracting,  or  other 
purposes,  drone-comb  foundation  may  be  procured. 

FOUXDATION    IN    SURPLUS    BOXES. 

Many  advocate  the  use  of  comb-foundation  for  guides 
in  boxes.  It  is  manufactured  for  this  purpose,  of  a  very 
light  weight.  I  luive  samples  before  me,  so  delicate  that 
16  square  feet  weigh  but  1  lb.  I  have,  from  the  outset, 
opposed  the  use  of  anything  artificial  in  honey  boxes,  and 
receive  daily  proof  of  the  soundness  of  my  jjosition. 

Prof.  Cook's  remarks  upon  this  subject  in  his  '•  Man- 
ual," are  pertinent  and  wise.  He  says,  "  It  will  not  be 
well  to  have  the  word  'artificial'  hitched  on  to  our 
comb-honey.  I  think  it  exceedingly  wise  to  maintain  in- 
violate in  the  public  mind,  the  idea  that  comb-honey  is, 
par  excellence,  a  natural  product. " 

While  I  think  there  are  good  reasons  for  adhering  to 
the  stand  taken  above,  I  must  consider  fairly  the  points 
in  favor  of  using  foundation  in  this  way.  That  a  larger 
amount  of  honey  can  be  secured  by  its  use  is  indisputa- 
ble. That  the  combs  built  in  boxes  in  which  full  cards 
of  foundation  liave  been  placed,  arc  much  handsomer 
cannot  be  denied.  Another  advantage  is  that  the  foun- 
dation gives  strength  to  the  comb,  which  enables  us  to 
ship  it  with  more  safety.  Wliile  these  are  undeniable 
facts,  the  truth  in  my  own  position  as  above  alluded  to, 
as  well  as  in  that  of  Prof.  Cook,  is  worthy  of  considera- 
tion.    Time  alone  can  determine  the  ultimate  result. 

TO    FASTEN    FOUNDATION    IN    FRAMES. 

Foundation  may  be  secured  by  laying  the  end  of  the 
sheet  on  the  under  side  of  the  top  bar,  and  nailing  upon 


WAX   AND    COMB.  201 

it  a  thin  strip  of  wood,  one-half  as  wide  as  the  bar,  even 
with  one  edge  of  it,  so  that  when  the  frame  is  raised  to 
an  upright  position  the  foundation  will  turn  down  against 
tlie  strip,  and  hang  directly  in  the  center  of  the  frame. 
C.  C.  Van  Deusen  says  that  he  finds  it  practicable  with 
the  wired  foundation  to  cut  off  with  a  pair  of  wooden 
shears  about  '/^  inch  of  the  edge  of  tlie  sheet  that  is  to  go 
next  to  the  top-bar.  The  shears  will  only  cut  away  the 
wax,  and  leave  the  ends  of  the  wire  exposed.  He  bends 
these  ends  to  a  right  angle  with  the  sheet,  and  glues  them 
to  the  bar  in  the  proper  position.  I  consider  the  latter 
method  the  best.  Foundations  to  be  placed  in  frames 
should  be  cut  so  that  they  will  come  within  '/^  inch  of 
the  sides,  or  y^  inch  of  the  bottom.  I  cut  them  most 
satisfactorily  by  lajnng  a  thin  board  of  the  required  size 
upon  the  sheets,  and  cutting  around  the  edge  with  a 
sharp  knife.  After  a  little  experience  this  method  is 
rapid  and  easy. 

Foundation  is  easily  fastened  in  boxes  with  w^hite  glue. 
Sever  il  machines  have  been  invented  for  securing  foun- 
dation in  both  frames  and  surplus  boxes,  which  promise 
to  be  extremely  satisfactory.  There  is  no  doubt  of  their 
becoming  indispensable  in  a  very  short  time.  The  best 
known  of  these  implements  are  "Parker's  Machine," 
and  '* Goodrich's  Foundation  Fastener."  I  should  have 
been  very  much  pleased  to  illustrate  these,  if  space  had 
permitted. 

EEXDERIXG   WAX. 

The  ordinary  process  of  rendering  wax  as  hitherto 
pvactisod,  has  not  only  been  vexatious,  but  wasteful,  and 
I  shall,  therefore,  pass  it  unnoticed,  and  give  the  more 
convenient  and  economical  methods.  The  most  approved 
plan  is  by  the  use  of  a  wax-extractor.  The  first  one  I 
shall  describe  is  a  foreign  invention,  which  was  first  made 


2^)2 


WAX    AX1>    LOHll. 


by  Professor  Gerster,  of  Switzerland.  The  usual  size  of  this 
is  as  follow:-; :  A  can  is  made  about  one  foot  high,  and  the 
same  in  diameter,  with  suitable  lid  and  handles.  The 
bottom  consists  of  a  shallow  basin  or  pan,  similar  to  a 
pie-tin,  made  about  1  inch  smaller  than  the  can,  witli 
a  rim  1  incli  high.  This  is  fastened  near  the  bottom 
of  the  can,  with  arms,  in  such  a  manner  that  it  stands  at 
the  distance  of  half  an  inch  from  all  sides  of  the  can, 

with  one  side  a  little 
elevated,  so  that  the 
melted  wax  will  run 
to  one  side,  where  a 
small  tube  or  spout 
passing  through  the 
side  of  the  can,  is  in- 
serted to  carry  it  off. 
A  basket  of  wire-cloth 
or  perforated  tin  is 
made  1  inch  smaller 
than  the  shallow  bottom,  and  high  enough  to  reach 
nearly  to  the  top  of  the  can.  Three  bearings  are 
arranged  on  the  inside  of  the  bottom,  upon  which 
the  perforated  basket  may  rest,  at  a  distance  of  y,  inch 
from  the  bottom,  and  all  sides  of  the  can.  This  com- 
pletes the  extractor,  which  is  shown  in  figure  80.  To 
render  vrax  in  this  extractor,  place  it  upon  the  stove,  over 
a  kettle  partly  filled  with  water,  in  the  same  manner  as 
an  ordinary  kitchen  steamer.  Fill  the  perforated  basket 
with  the  refuse  comb  or  wax,  cover  tightly  with  the  lid, 
and  place  a  pan  under  the  spout  to  catch  the  wax  as  it 
runs  out.  As  fast  as  it  melts,  more  may  be  added,  until 
all  is  rendered. 

The  biest  and  best  wax  extractor  which  has  been 
brought  to  my  notice  was  invented  by  D.  A.  Jones,  of 
Beetou,  Ontario,  Canada.     I  have  tested  it  very  thor- 


Fig.   80. — SWISS  WAX  EXTRACTOR. 


WAX   AND    COMB. 


203 


ougbly  and  I  like  it  the  best  of  any  extractor  that  I  liave 
ever  used.     (See  fig.  81). 

In  moulding  wax  into  cakes,  use  a  deep  basin,  and 
when  cool,  if  any  impurities  are  found  upon  the  bottom, 


Fig.  81. — JONES'   WAX  EXTRACTOR. 


shave  them  off,  and  melt  this  portion  again.  Combs  de- 
signed for  this  purpose  should  be  cared  for  often  enough, 
to  prevent  the  worms  from  getting  in  and  spoiling  them. 
The  extractor  is  a  convenient  utensil  for  holding  all  bits 
of  refuse  wax,  and  fragments  of  comb.  Dippers,  pans, 
and  other  implements  used  in  rendering  wax,  become 
coated  with  it,  and  are  not  easily  cleaned. 


204  FEEDING. 

CHAPTER     XIII. 

FEEDING. 
ITS   NECESSITY, 

The  subject  of  feeding  bees  is,  latterly,  receiving  more 
attention  than  has  hitherto  been  deemed  essential.  It 
may  be  easily  demonstrated,  that  with  intelligent  man- 
agement in  the  best  locations,  and  most  favorable  seasons, 
no  feeding  is  necessary. 

In  18G0,  our  stock  of  bees  numbered  415  swarms,  and 
the  exigencies  of  the  season  were  such,  that  when  it  was 
over,  only  six  colonies  had  enough  honey  to  carry  them 
through  the  winter,  and  one-half  of  the  whole  number 
had  none  at  all.  We  fed  5,500  lbs.  of  honey  and  sugar, 
for  the  winter,  besides  what  we  gave  them  during  the 
summer,  to  keep  them  alive,  no  honey  being  gathered, 
except  from  apple-blossoms.  This  was  the  most  disas- 
trous year  for  bees,  in  Mr.  Quinby's  experience  of  forty 
years.  Between  this  extreme,  and  that  of  not  being 
obliged  to  feed  at  all,  the  necessity  for  supplying  food 
will  vary  with  the  season. 

In  1874,  I  found  feeding  necessary  from  May  1st,  until 
July  20th,  before  bees  gathered  honey  enough  to  continue 
l)reeding  profitably.  And  yet,  after  this  date,  I  took  an 
average  of  100  lbs.  of  honey  per  hive,  from  my  entire 
apiary,  numbering  100  colonies,  besides  increasing  the 
number  to  119,  and  securing  stores  enough  for  winter. 
Here  was  an  instance  of  a  season  oi)ening  very  unfavor- 
ably and  closing  prosperously. 

The  year  1875,  presented  exactly  the  reverse  in  many 
sections.  From  the  first  honey-gathering  in  spring, 
brood-rearing  was  stimulated  by  a  moderate  supply,  and 
when  the  general  vield  began  in  Julv,  the  combs  of  best 


FEEDIXG.  205 

stocks  were  filled  with  brood.  So  well  were  they  occu- 
pied, that  there  was  no  room  for  storing  honey,  except 
in  boxes,  and  the  amount  of  surplus  was  large,  consider- 
ing the  season.  This  result  Avas  largely  due  to  the  meas- 
ures adopted,  as  given  in  the  Chapter  on  Increase.  Fall 
forage  entirely  failed,  and  the  consequence  was,  that 
when  the  combs  were  vacated  by  the  brood,  there  was  no 
honey  to  be  gathered  to  fill  them  for  winter,  and  the  re- 
quisite supplies  had  to  be  furnished  by  feeding.  It  often 
happens  that  brood-rearing  will  progress  finely  during 
the  time  of  apple-blossoms,  between  Avhich  and  clover, 
etc.,  a  period  of  scarcity  will  occur,  when  feeding  will 
be  absolutely  indispensable.  During  cold  and  stormy 
days,  when  bees  cannot  go  out  for  water  or  honey,  feed- 
ing is  essential. 

WHAT   TO    FEED. 

A  good  quality  of  honey,  is  undoubtedly  good  enough. 
Yet  the  continued  experiments  of  our  best  bee-keepers, 
have  given  abundant  proof  that  good  sugar  is  equally 
suitable,  and  by  some  is  claimed  to  be  even  better  than 
honey.  I  have  used  it  largely,  comparing  the  results 
with  honey  fed  at  the  same  time,  and  find  it  to  be  satis- 
factory. As  feeding  occurs  when  honey  is  scarce,  sugar 
is  much  less  liable  to  induce  robbing,  making  it  in  this 
respect  much  more  desirable  to  use.  The  poorer  grades 
of  honey  sell  so  low,  that  it  is  often  cheaper  to  feed  such 
honey  than  to  purchase  sugar  for  the  purpose.  Besides, 
the  impurities  and  adulteration  of  sugar,  at  the  present 
day,  are  making  it  quite  undesirable. 

We  are  tending  more  and  more  each  year  to  the  prac- 
tice of  feeding  honey  only,  to  our  bees,  and  I  shall  wel- 
come the  day  when  this  will  be  the  exclusive  practice, 
thus  avoiding  the  appearance,  even,  of  any  possibility  of 
fraud  in  the  quality  of  our  surplus  honey. 

Grape  sugar  and  glucose  have  been  advocated  as  a  cheap 


206 


FEEDING. 


food  for  wintering  bees,  and  stimulating  breeding,  but 
my  experience  coincides  with  that  of  many  of  our  best 
bee-keepers  who  condemn  their  use  entirely.  For  winter- 
ing, it  has  proved  an  entire  failure  with  me. 

PREPAKTNG    FOOD. 

As  bees  require  water  when  rearing  brood,  the  food  fur- 
nished them  at  such  times  should  contain  more  water  than 
when  it  is  to  be  sealed  in  combs  for  winter  stores.  Honey 
should  be  diluted  by  adding  1  pint  of  water,  to  4  pounds  of 
honey ;  the  mixture  should  then  be  scalded  and  skimmed. 

To  prepare  sugar,  add  1  quart  of  water  to  3  pounds  of 
*'A"  sugar,  bring  to  a  boil,  and  skim.  In  selecting 
sugar,  avoid  such  as  contains  impurities.  That  with  a 
bluish  tint  is  objectionable,  as  it  often  contains  a  foreign 
substance  that  will  be  found  in  the  form  of  a  sediment 
at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  after  dissolving  it.  We  used 
large  quantities  of  sugar  thus  adulterated,  in  the  spring  of 
1876,  and  the  great  loss  of  bees  which  followed,  was  evi- 
dently the  result  of  some  deleterious  substance  in  the  sugar. 
For  fall  feeding,  when  it  is  to  be  stored  in  tlie  combs  for 
winter  use,  honey  need  not  be  diluted,  and  the  sugar  syrup 
may  be  made  with  one  quart  of  water  to  4  pounds  of  sugar. 

FEEDERS. 

It  is  very  necessary  that  feeders  be  so  arranged  that  the 

bees  have  easy  access  to 
them,  from  the  hive,  and 
also,  that  bees  from  other 
hives  shall  not  be  attracted 
to  them.  A  cheap  and  very 
practical  feeder,  which  I 
use  in  connection  with  the 
Quinby  hive,  is  shown  in 

Fiff.   82. — ^FEEDER  ON  VASSL.  o         on         -j.     •  •  1        i* 

i.g.  o«.  nzu^  «  V.  JTJ^B,^.  gg^^  g2  ;  it  IS  a  smiple  tin 
cup,  3  in.   deep,   5  in.   long,  and    2    in.    wide.     Tliese 


FEEDING.  207 

dimensions  can  be  varied  to  suit.  In  the  center  of 
one  side,  near  the  top,  is  a  V^-in.  hole,  and  near  each 
end,  on  either  side  of  this  hole,  are  two  others,  large 
enough  to  slip  over  a  nail-head. 

In  the  panel,  at  the  side  of  the  Quinhy  frame,  I  bore  a 
y^-in.  hole  to  correspond  with  the  one  in  the  cup,  and 
drive  two  small  nails  at  proper  distances  each  side,  upon 
which  to  hang  the  feeder.  A  cap  may  be  made  to 
shut  out  bees  from  the  outside,  I  lay  a  piece  of  glass  over 
it,  to  be  able  to  see  when  it  is  empty.  These  feeders  are 
coated  on  the  inside  with  a  mixture  of  shellac  and  sand, 
that  the  roughness  may  give  the  bees  a  footing.  A  float 
is  made  of  Yg-inch  board,  and  '/^  inch  smaller  each  way 
tlian  the  inner  dimensions  of  the  feeder.  Across  the 
underside  of  this,  at  each  end,  is  a  cleat  '/^X'/g  inch. 
This  is  nailed  on  with  small  tacks  just  long  enough  to 
clinch.  If,  in  each  end  of  the  cleats,  a  tack  is  driven 
partially  in,  so  that  the  head  comes  Avithin  '/^  inch  of  the 
cleat,  the  float  will  rest  upon  the  heads  of  these  tacks 
when  the  feeder  is  about  empty,  and  the  bees  will  be  able 
to  pass  under  it.  This  will  allow  the  bees  to  remove  the 
food  more  completely  than  if  it  rested  directly  on  the 
bottom.  The  fact  should  always  be  borne  in  mind,  that 
bees  should  never  have  access  to  liquid  honey,  without 
something  being  placed  in  it  to  sustain  them. 

The  feeder  above  described,  can  be  used  in  connection 
with  the  hanging-frame  hive,  in  the  spring,  when  each 
swarm  contains  but  a  limited  number  of  frames,  and  a 
close-fitting  division-board  is  used  to  economize  space. 
A  liole  may  be  bored  in  this  board,  and  the  feeder  ad- 
justed as  above. 

For  feeding  at  the  top  of  the  hive.  I  know  of  nothing 
better  than  the  Van  Deusen  feeder  (fig.  83).  After  fill- 
ing, it  is  inverted  and  placed  over  the  opening  on  the  top 
of  the  hive.  Atmospheric  pressure  prevents  tlie  escape 
of  the  honey  or  syrup.      If  adjusted  properly,  the  feeder 


308  FEEDING. 

will  prevent  the  escape  of  heat  from  the  hive,  and  at  the 
same  time  it  occupies  a  warm  position,  which  will  aid  the 
bees  in  securing  the  food.  A  very  practical  feeder  may 
be  made  in  a  frame,  and  placed  directly  in  the  hive. 
We  have  arranged  a  bracket  upon  which  this  feeder  may 
be  placed.  Locke's  New  Bee  Feeder  was  invented  by  S. 
M.  Locke,  Salem,  Mass.,  and  has  some  desirable  points. 
It  is  considered  by  many  to  be  one  of  the  very  best 
feeders  lately  invented,  (see  fig.  83,  a). 

Where  extensive  feeding  to  supply  winter  stores  is  nec- 
essary, a  more  rapid  process  is  advantageous.  We  have 
practised  putting  the  syrup  or  honey  directly  in  the 


Fig.  83.— VAN  decsen's  feeder.   Fig.  83,  «.— locke's  feeder 


combs  with  satisfactory  results,  giving  the  entire  amount 
necessary  at  one  time.  It  may  be  done  as  follows  :  Take 
a  can  or  tub  about  two  feet  across  the  top,  in  which  place 
the  syrup  made  as  above  directed.  Then  prepare  a  board 
a  little  wider  than  the  depth  of  the  frames,  by  nailing  a 
strip  on  each  edge,  which  shall  project  about  one  inch 
above  it,  to  prevent  the  liquid  from  running  off  the  sides 
of  the  board,  and  to  conduct  it  back  into  the  tub.  Place 
one  end  of  this  board  on  the  tub,  and  the  other  upon  legs 
elevated  enough  above  it  so  that  the  feed  will  run  off 
freely  (see  fig.  84).  Then  in  the  bottom  of  a  common 
quart-dipper,  punch  one-sixteenth  inch  holes,  about  three- 
eighths  of  an  inch  apart.  Place  the  empty  comb  on  the 
board,  ar^d  dip  up  the  syrup,  letting  it  drain  into  the 


FEEDING. 


209 


cells.  A  little  practice  will  indicate  the  distance  it  must 
fall,  as  there  must  be  force  enough  to  drive  it  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  cell,  and  not  so  much  as  to  cause  it  to  spatter 
out.  In  turning  the  combs  to  fill  opposite  sides,  care 
should  be  taken,  or  they  may  fall  out  of  the  frames.  To 
prevent  this,  use  a  piece  of  thin  board,  the  size  of  the 
frame,  placing  it  under  it  while  filling,  and  raise  the 
comb  with  it  to  an  upright  position,  and  then  place  the 
board  on  the  opposite  side,  and  till  as  before.     As  fast  as 


yiff.    84.— FILLING   COMBS  FOR   FEEDING. 


the  combs  are  filled,  set  them  up  perpendicularly,  where 
the  extra  syrup  may  drain  off.  These  operations  must 
be  performed  in  a  room  where  bees  can  make  no  trouble. 
Combs  filled  with  sjTup  must  be  placed  in  the  hives  after 
the  bees  stop  flying  at  night.  After  the  required  amount 
is  put  in  the  combs,  it  is  well  to  weigh  the  whole  again, 
to  see  that  nothing  is  lost  by  robbing.  If  some  hives  are 
found  to  contain  more  than  the  necessary  amount,  heavy 
combs  may  be  exchanged  for  light  ones  from  other  hives. 
One  write?,  in  endorsing  this  method,  approves  of  it. 


210  FEEDING. 

"because  it  saves  the  bees  the  lal)or  of  putting  the 
lioney  in  the  cells."  But  this  is  an  error.  The  bees  evi- 
dently remove  it,  and  re-store  it,  probably  to  exclude  the 
air,  and  secure  a  more  thorough  cvai)oration  of  the  water. 

HONEY   IX   COMBS   FOR   SPEIXG   FEEDING. 

A  colony  should  never  be  without  sealed  honey  during 
spring  months.  It  is  much  easier  to  ascertain  the  presence 
of  such  honey  than  that  of  uncapped  honey.  The  last  sealed 
honey  in  a  comb  will  usually  be  at  the  top.  By  using  a 
smoker,  the  bees  may  be  driven  from  this  part  of  the 
combs,  and  the  amount  of  cap|>ed  honey  observed,  with- 
out disturbing  the  frames.  Any  deficiency  thus  discov- 
ered may  be  supplied  by  furnishing  combs  of  sealed  honey, 
preserved  for  the  purpose  the  previous  season,  as  has  been 
elsewhere  suggested.  I  anticipate  the  extensive  adoption 
of  this  plan  of  feeding.  To  stimulate  breeding,  it  will 
only  be  necessary  to  break  the  capping  of  such  combs  by 
nibbing  the  edge  of  a  knife  over  them,  when  the  bees 
will  remove  the  honey. 

FEEDING  TO  SECURE  SURPLUS  IN  BETTER  FORM. 

The  practice  of  freely  feeding  extracted  honey,  to  be 
stored  in  boxes,  is  becoming  quite  common.  If  a  suita- 
ble time  is  chosen,  and  the  weather  is  warm,  it  will  be 
found  advantageous  when  boxes  are  partly  filled,  and 
would  not  be  otherwise  completed.  Strong  colonies 
should  be  selected  for  the  purpose,  and  should  contain 
only  such  combs  in  the  brood-nest,  as  are  well  filled 
with  brood  and  honey,  and  but  a  limited  number  of 
frames.  They  should  be  fed  as  rapidly  as  they  will  ap- 
propriate the  honey.  For  this  purpose,  a  large  feeder 
should  be  used.  One  holding  at  least  10  pounds  would  be 
preferable. 


FEEDING.  211 

HONEY   SHOULD    BE    WARM    WHEN    FED. 

Honey  should  never  betaken  from  a  cold  room  to  feed, 
unless  first  warmed,  especially  when  fed  for  storing  in 
boxes.  It  should  be  as  warm  as  when  gathered  by  the 
bees  in  midsummer.  This  matter  of  temperature,  and 
of  feeding  in  tne  morning  so  that  honey  may  be  taken  into 
the  hive  during  the  warmest  hours  of  the  day,  have  an  im- 
portant bearing  on  successful  feeding,  for  storage  in  boxes. 

Mr.  Quinby  and  myself  experimented  largely  in  feeding 
in  quite  cold  weather,  by  arranging  the  hives  inside  of  a 
room,  on  the  principle  of  the  House  Apiary,  and  furnish- 
ing artificial  heat.  While  the  experiment  was  not  per- 
fectly successful,  we  proved  the  practicability  of  using  arti- 
ficial heat  when  feeding,  and  for  other  purposes  connect- 
ed with  the  House  Apiary.  When  feeding  to  stimulate 
breeding,  about  one  gill  should  be  given  regularly  each 
evening.  The  bees  should  not  be  fed  any  more  than 
they  will  consume,  as  it  is  undesirable  to  have  syrup 
stored  in  the  combs,  at  this  season.  In  feeding  for  win- 
ter use,  food  may  be  given  them  as  rapidly  as  they  will 
store  it.  It  is  important  that  this  be  done  early  enough  in 
the  fall,  to  be  properly  sealed  in  the  combs.  In  this  lati- 
tude, it  will  be  necessary  to  do  it  in  September,  or  early  in 
October.  Tlie  greatest  care  must  always  be  exercised  in 
feeding,  not  to  expose  honey  in  any  way,  and  thereby  in- 
duce robbing. 

Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  experimented  largely 
in  feeding  the  different  grades  of  sugar,  and  I  attain  the 
best  results  in  using  the  lower  grades.  I  much  prefer 
the  yellow  "C."  It  seems  to  c<mtain  essential  proper- 
ties not  found  in  the  more  refined  grades. 


212  ROBBING. 

CHAPTER    XIV. 
ROBBING. 

GENERAL  KEMAEKS. 

Robbing  is  often  a  source  of  loss  to  the  careless  apiarian. 
It  is  frequent  in  spring,  and  at  any  time  in  Avarm  weather, 
when  there  is  a  scarcity  of  honey.  It  is  very  annoying, 
and  is  sometimes  a  source  of  contention  among  neighbors, 
when  perhaps  neither  is  to  blame,  farther  than  for  igno- 
rance. Tlie  person  keeping  the  most  bees,  must  expect  to 
be  held  accountable  for  all  the  losses  in  the  neighborhood, 
whether  they  occur  from  mismanagement,  or  want  of 
management,  and  if  he  escapas  without  being  charged 
with  those  losses  due  to  hundreds  of*  causes,  he  ought 
to  be  thankful.  It  is  often  thought  if  a  person  has  but 
one  stock,  and  another  ha?  ten,  that  the  ten  will  combine 
to  plunder  the  one.  This  conclusion  is  not  warranted  by 
facts  ;  I  can  discover  no  collusion  between  different  fami- 
lies of  the  same  apiary.  It  is  true  that  when  one  colony 
finds  another  weak  and  defenceless,  possessing  treasures, 
they  have  no  conscientious  scruples  about  carrying  them 
off  to  the  last  particle,  notwithstanding  that  they  revel  in 
abundance  at  home  ;  and  it  is  most  frequently  the  case 
that  the  strongest  colonies  arc  most  given  to  this  despica- 
ble habit.  The  hurry  and  bustle  attending  the  plunder, 
seldom  escape  the  notice  of  other  hives,  and  when  one 
hive  has  been  robbed,  perhaps  two-thirds  or  all  of  the 
other  colonies  have  participated  in  the  offence. 

When  honey  is  being  gathered  largely  from  natural 
sources,  little  apprehension  of  robbing  need  be  entertained. 
At  such  times  honey  may  often  be  left  exposed,  without 
receiving  the  slightest  attention  from  the  bees.  We  have 
taken  tons  of  honey  with  the  extractor,  in  the  open  air, 
when  it  was  most  freely  exposed,  without  exciting  their 


ROBBING.  213 

marauding  propensities  in  the  least.  But  if  such  temp- 
tations are  placed  before  them  in  times  of  scarcity,  par- 
ticularly in  the  spring,  serious  results  may  be  anticipated. 
It  is  worth  while  to  mention  here,  that  if  thievish  habits 
are  formed  early  in  the  season,  by  careless  exposure  of 
even  trifling  quantities  of  honey,  bees  will  search  for  it 
more  perseveringly,  during  the  season,  if  it  prove  to  be  a 
poor  one,  than  if,  by  strict  care,  they  had  been  prevent- 
ed from  acquiring  the  habit.  Therefore,  it  should  be  a 
cardinal  rule,  for  beginners,  that  honey,  or  broken  up, 
discarded  hives  and  frames,  upon  which  particles  of  honey 
may  remain,  should  not  be  accessible  to  the  bees,  at  any 
time  when  they  could  possibly  be  demoralized  thereby. 
Bobbing  is  often  induced  by  leaving  too  large  an  en- 
trance open,  or  other  uimecessary  apertures,  thus  allow- 
ing outsiders  too  free  access. 

Probably  but  few  bee-keepers  are  able  to  know  at  once 
when  bees  are  robbing.  It  requires  the  closest  scrutiny 
to  decide.  There  is  nothing  about  the  apiary  more  diffi- 
cult to  determine  ;  nothing  in  which  one  is  more  likely 
to  be  deceived.  It  is  generally  supposed  that  when  a 
number  are  fighting  outside,  it  is  conclusive  that  they  are 
also  robbing,  which  is  seldom  the  case.  On  the  contrary, 
a  show  of  resistance  indicates  a  strong  colony,  and  that 
they  are  disposed  to  defend  their  treasures.  A  very  weak 
colony  of  Italians  will  often  make  a  spirited  resistance.  I 
have  no  fears  for  a  stock  that  has  courage  to  repel  an  at- 
tack. The  greatest  danger  is  with  those  weak  colonies 
incapable  of  opposition.  Such  should  at  all  times  be 
closely  watched,  and  the  entrance  more  than  usually  con- 
tracted, that  the  bees  may  the  more  easily  defend  them- 
selves. Queenless  colonies  are  much  less  vigorous  in  self 
defence.  If  there  are  colonies  which  have  been  wintered 
on  their  summer  stands,  or  having  been  set  out  earlier  in 
the  season  are  thoroughly  established,  in  the  same  or 
neighboring  apiaries,  care  should  be  taken  in  setting  out 


214  ROBBIXG. 

weak  swarms,  as  in  the  confusion  incident  to  the  first 
flight  they  are  in  less  defensible  condition,  and  much 
more  likely  to  attract  pillagers  than  they  Avill  be  later  in 
the  season.  Let  it  be  understood  that  all  good  stocks, 
under  ordinary  circumstances,  will  take  care  of  them- 
selves. Nature  has  provided  them  with  the  means  of 
defence,  with  instinct  to  direct  its  use. 

INDICATIONS    OF   ROBBING. 

In  order  to  recognize  the  first  indications  of  robbing  at 
a  glance,  it  will  be  necessary  for  the  bee-keeper  to  be  able 
to  distinguish  between  old  and  young  bees,  and  between 
those  that  are  filled  with  honey  and  those  that  are  not. 
Each  robber,  Avhen  leaving  the  hive,  instead  of  flying  in 
a  direct  line  to  its  home,  Avill  turn  its  head  towards  the 
hive  to  mark  the  spot,  that  it  may  return  for  another 
load,  in  the  same  manner  that  bees  do  when  leaving  their 
own  hive  for  the  first  time  in  the  spring.  When  the 
young  bees  first  leave  home,  they  mark  their  location  in 
the  same  manner.  A  few  of  these  begin  to  hatch  very 
early,  in  all  good  stocks,  often  before  the  weather  is  warm 
enough  for  any  to  leave  the  hive.  These  young  bees  will 
fly  out  very  tliickly  about  the  middle  of  each  fair  day,  or 
a  little  later.  This  unusual  activity  strongly  resembles 
the  bustle  of  robbers,  and  it  is  difficult  to  detect  the  dif- 
ference. Tiieir  motions  are  alike,  but  there  is  a  little 
difference  in  color,  the  young  bees  being  a  shade  lighter  ; 
and  the  bodies  of  the  robbers,  when  filled  with  honey,  are 
a  little  larger.  But  while  one  is  learning  these  nice  dis- 
tinctions, his  bees  may  bo  ruined.  Bees,  when  they 
have  been  stealing  honey  from  a  neighboring  hive,  will 
generally  run  several  inches  from  the  entrance  before  fly- 
ing ;  kill  some  of  these ;  if  filled  with  honey,  they  are 
robbers  ;  for  it  is  very  suspicious  to  be  filled  with  honey 
when  leaving  the  hive  ;  or,  if  there  are  but  few  colonies, 


ROBBING.  215 

mark  the  bees,  sprinkling  some  flour  on  them  as  they 
come  out,  and  let  some  one  watch  at  the  other  hives  to 
see  if  any  of  those  with  flour  on  them  enter.  The 
following  is  less  trouble,  but  it  Avill  be  longer  before 
they  are  checked,  if  robbing.  Visit  them  again  in  the 
course  of  half  an  hour  or  more,  after  the  young  bees  have 
returned,  and  if  the  bustle  continues  or  increases,  it  is 
time  to  interfere.  When  the  entrance  has  been  con- 
tracted, as  directed,  close  it  entirely  until  near  sunset.  If 
it  has  been  left  open,  it  should  now  be  closed,  giving 
room  for  only  one  bee  at  a  time.  This  will  allow  all  that 
belong- to  the  hive  to  get  in,  and  others  to  get  out,  and 
will  materially  retard  the  progress  of  the  robbers.  Un- 
less it  should  be  cool,  they  will  continue  their  operations 
until  evening.  This  late  working,  by  the  way,  is  a  good 
test  of  robbing.  Visit  the  hives  each  warm  evening,  as 
they  comm3nce  depredations  on  the  warmest  days,  and 
seldom  at  any  other  time.  If  any  are  at  work  when 
honest  laborers  should  be  at  homo,  they  must  be  re- 
garded with  suspicion. 

EEMEDIES. 

The  old  saying,  "An  ounce  of  prevention  is  worth  a 
pound  of  cure,"  is  most  applicable  here.  To  keep  stocks 
strong  and  capable  of  self  defence,  is  the  golden  rule  that 
would  carry  the  beginner  over  these  critical  periods,  when 
scarcity  of  honey  and  a  httle  undue  carelessness  on  his 
own  part  tempts  the  "busy  bee"  to  take  what  he  wants 
wlierever  he  can  find  it.  But  in  the  best  regulated  api- 
aries we  shall  find  colonies  that  need  special  care.  When 
the  mischief  is  begun,  prompt  measures  must  be  insti- 
tuted. Mr.  Qainby  says  :  "  I  would  recommend  remov- 
ing the  weak  hive  on  the  morning  after  the  attack  to  the 
cellar,  or  some  dark,  cool  place,  until  two  or  three  days 
have  passed,  and  the  search  has  been  abandoned.  The 
robbers  will  probably  attack  the  stock  on  the  next  stand. 


21G  DISEASES  AND   ENEMIES  OF  BEES. 

Contract  the  entrance  of  this  according  to  tlie  number  of 
bees  to  pass.  If  the  colony  is  strong,  no  danger  need  be 
apprehended.  When  a  hive  has  been  removed,  if  the  ad- 
joining one  is  weak,  take  that  in  also,  to  be  returned  as 
soon  as  the  robbers  will  allow  it.  If  a  second  attack  is 
made,  put  the  hives  in  again,  and  let  them  remain  until 
the  marauders  cease  their  attempts.  When  robbers  are 
endeavoring  to  effect  an  entrance  into  a  hive,  a  little 
grass,  or  what  is  better,  some  asparagus  tops,  thrown 
loosely  before  the  opening,  Avill  afford  material  liindrance, 
and  when  the  attack  ceases,  it  may  be  removed." 

I  may  add  to  these  suggestions  that  when  stocks  are 
put  in  the  cellar  for  protection,  they  may  be  entirely  des- 
titute of  stores,  which  deficiency  must  be  supplied  by 
feeding. 


CHAP  T  E  U     X  Y. 

DISEASES    AND    ENEMIES    OF    BEES. 

DYSENTERY. 

If  proper  conditions  for  wintering  be  observed,  this  dis- 
ease need  not  be  feared.  If  honey  is  gathered  late  in  the 
season,  or  is  fed  so  late  as  not  to  be  sealed  up,  it  will  tend 
to  produce  dysentery.  A  cold,  danip  cellar,  where  bees 
are  unable  to  properly  evaporate  the  moisture  in  their  food, 
and  undue  disturbance,  will  also  have  the  same  tendency. 
A  genuine  case  of  dysentery  can  bo  produced  in  a  very 
short  time  by  combining  these  conditions.  It  may  be  de- 
tected by  the  soiling  of  the  hive  about  the  entrance.  The 
combs  Avill  also  often  be  soiled  and  injured.  The  bodies 
of  bees  thus  affected  Avill  be  found  to  be  unusually  dis- 
tended. When  in  this  condition  they  should  be  allowed 
to  fly,  on  the  first  favorable  opportunity,  in  order  that 


DISEASES   AND    ENEMIES   OF   BEEci.  21? 

they  may  discharge  their  faeces.  The  wise  boe-keeper 
will  observe  suitable  precautious,  aud  preveut  the  appear- 
ance of  this  evil. 

FOUL   BROOD. 

During  a  large  portion  of  Mr.  Quinby's  bee-keeping  ex- 
perience, the  evil  of  foul  brood  held  so  decided  a  foothold 
among  the  apiai'ies  of  American  bee  keepers,  that  his  time 
and  attention  were,  for  many  years,  greatly  engrossed  by 
its  investigation.  He  was  among  the  very  first  to  become 
familiar  with  its  appeai-ance,  his  first  observations  being 
made  as  early  as  1835.  In  the  first  editions  of  this  work, 
he  gave  a  minute  account  of  his  investigations  into  the 
cause  or  causes  of  the  malady,  and  search  for  a  prevent- 
ive ;  and,  although  he  never  satisfied  himself  as  to  the 
cause,  his  persevering  ciforts  in  seeking  remedies  were  re- 
Avarded  Avith  admirable  success.  In  later  years,  and  par- 
ticularly since  the  introduction  of  Italian  stock  into  this 
country,  the  disease  has  abated  so  materially  as  to  be  of 
minor  importance.  Our  la3t  experience  with  it  Avas  in 
1870,  and  its  final  disappearance  Avas  somcAvhat  remark- 
able, inasmuch  as  it  seemed  to  vanish  without  any  special 
effort  on  our  part  for  its  extinction.  Severn!  stocks  that 
Avere  somewhat  infected,  Avere  marked  to  identify  them, 
and  placed  in  winter  quarters,  Avith  the  design  of  breaking 
them  up  in  the  spring  ;  but  Avhen  removed  from  the  cel- 
lar all  traces  of  the  disease  had  vanished,  aud  the  stocks 
remained  healthy  thereafter.  I  have  seen  but  one  case 
of  foul  brood  since,  and  that  a  mild  one. 

INDICATIONS    OF   FOUL    BROOD. 

The  cappings  of  the  infected  cells  are  somewhat  sunken, 

with  a  small  hole  in  the  center.     The  disease  only  affects 

the  immature  brood  before  it  reaches  the  chrysalis  state. 

By  an  examination  of  the  brood-cells  it  is  easy  to  asoer- 

10 


218  DISEASES  AND   ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 

tain  if  any  of  the  larvse  be  dead  and  putrid.  Healthy 
larvas  are  always  white,  until  some  time  after  they  assume 
the  chrysalis  form  ;  hence,  if  they  are  dark-colored,  it  in- 
dicates something  Avrong.  Where  the  malady  has  made 
much  headway,  the  unpleasant  odor  is  ample  evidence  of 
its  presence. 

REMEDY. 

The  first  thing  to  be  done  is,  to  confine  the  bees  in  an 
empty  hive  or  box;  set  them  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  and  let 
them  remain  there,  at  least  twenty-four  hours,  that  all 
the  honey  they  carry  with  them,  may  be  entirely  con- 
sumed. There  is  no  doubt  but  the  honey  from  an  in- 
fected hive,  will  carry  the  contagion  to  a  new  stock  of 
brood.  After  sufficient  time  has  elapsed  to  prevent  this 
danger,  the  bees  may  be  put  mto  a  hive  filled  with  healthy 
combs,  or  foundation.  The  portions  of  comb  contain- 
ing the  diseased  brood  should  be  carefully  cut  out  and 
buried,  and  the  remainder  converted  into  Avax.  If  honey 
remains,  it  can  be  utilized  for  feedmg,  by  thoroughly 
boiling  and  skimming  it.  A  quart  of  water  may  be  added 
to  10  lbs.  of  honey.  The  ntmost  vigilance  must  be  con- 
stantly maintained  to  prevent  any  bees  of  other  colonies 
from  having  access  to  the  honey,  combs,  or  hive  of  the 
diseased  stock.  The  condemned  hive  may  be  cleansed 
completely  by  scalding  it  with  boiling  water  and  scrap- 
ing thoroughly.  Exposure  to  the  weather  will  usually 
complete  the  disinfection. 

DUE   TO    A    FUNGOID    GROWTH. 

The  researches  of  modern  German  investigators  have 
shed  much  light  upon  the  riiturc  of  this  malady,  and 
the  view  that  it  is  a  fungoid  growth,  propagated  by 
means  of  the  spores,  or  seed-vessels,  is  being  adopted  by 
many  of  our  best  bee-keepers.     The  same  spirit  of  intel- 


DISEASES   AND    ENEMIES   OF    BEES.  219 

ligent  inquiry  to  which  we  owe  so  mraiy  of  our  striking 
improvements,  has  provided  a  remedy  with  which  I  have 
no  experience,  but  which  I  accept  from  good  authority. 

REMEDY. 

The  remedy  is  Salicylic  Acid,  dissolved  in  alcohol, 
or  in  a  sohition  of  Borax  in  water.  Mr.  Muth's 
recipe,  as  I  quote  from  '*'  Cook's  Manual,"  is,  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-eight  grains  of  Salicylic  Acid,  the  same 
of  Soda  Borax,  and  sixteen  ounces  of  Distilled  Water. 
This  tiuid  is  thrown  in  a  fine  spray  over  the  combs,  the 
brood  being  previously  uncapped.  This  is  said  to  be 
harmless  to  the  bees  but  fatal  to  the  fungi.  The  same 
precautions  are  necessary  as  to  the  care  of  the  honey,  and 
the  confinement  of  the  bees,  as  above  stated. 

PARASITES. 

The  statements  of  Prof.  Packard,  and  other  natural 
ists,  combined  with  my  own  observations,  have  led  me  to 
favor  the  view  that  the  original  cause  of  this  disease  is  a 
parasite  feeding  upon  the  larva?,  producing  death  and  pu- 
trefaction. The  small  holes  in  the  caps  of  the  infected 
cells  possess  a  significance  in  this  connection.  The  re- 
markable diminution  of  this  scourge  within  the  past  few 
years,  is  to  be  accounted  for,  I  think,  upon  a  similar 
theory.  It  is  consistent  to  suppose  that  among  the 
many  various  parasites  that  infest  the  bee-hive,  there  are 
those  which  prey  upon  the  destroyer  of  the  larvae,  and 
thus  destroy  them  in  turn.  Corroborative  evidence  of 
this,  is  found  in  our  experience  with  cabbage  and  currant 
worms,  potato  bugs  and  other  pests,  which,  after  a  few 
seasons  of  unchecked  devastation,  are  overtaken  by  their 
parasitic  enemies,  and  their  ravages  materially  lessened. 

Those  who  have  not  given  attention  to  the  subject  of 
parasites,  can  hardly  be  aware  of  the  number  and  variety  of 


220  DISEASES   AND   ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 

these  minute  pests.  I  have  made  them  a  subject  of  par- 
ticular study  and  observation,  with  increasing  interest. 
In  the  course  of  my  investigations  at  various  periods  dur- 
ing the  past  three  years,  I  have  examined  hives  in  some 
of  tlie  leading  apiaries  of  this  State,  and  in  every  in- 
stance have  found  several  varieties  of  parasites  present, 
in  greater  or  less  numbers.  I  have  thus  far  discovered  nine 
distinct  forms,  but  whether  they  are  distinct  species,  I 
am  unable  from  lack  of  entomological  knowledge  to  de- 
termine. 

The  conditions  under  which  I  have  generally  found 
them  to  be  most  troublesome,  and  annoying  to  the  bees, 
indicate  to  my  mind,  that  much  of  the  difficulty  encoun- 
tered in  wintering  bees,  may  be  due  to  their  presence. 

It  has  long  been  claimed  by  our  best  writers  on  the  sub- 
ject of  wintering,  that  one  of  the  prime  requisites  for 
success  was  perfect  quiet.  It  has  also  been  noticed  by 
many  that  Avhilo  some  swarms  remained  very  quiet,  others 
could  be  heard  buzzing,  and  would  be  constantly  uneasy. 
The  fact  that  some  were  quiet,  shows  that  the  uneasi- 
ness was  not  due  to  any  external  disturbance.  It  has 
often  been  a  subject  of  much  perplexity  to  me  why  these 
different  conditions  should  exist. 

Some  writers  have  advised  setting  such  restless  swarms 
upon  their  summer  stands  for  a  purifying  flight,  and  this 
may  be  desirable,  inasmuch  as  they  have  necessarily  been 
stimulated  to  a  large  consumption  of  food  by  this  undue 
excitement ;  but  the  original  cause  of  this  disturbance 
has  not  yet  been  understood. 

I  have  found  such  swarms  clearing  the  dust  from  the 
bottom  boards,  and  upon  examining  it  as  they  had 
thrown  it  from  the  entrance,  I  discovered  these  par- 
asites in  large  numbers  which  had  been  ejected  from  the 
hive.  I  find  the  Italians  much  more  liable  to  be  dis- 
turbed by  them  than  the  natives.  Their  tendency  to  de- 
feud  themselves  is  here  majiifest,  and  they  are  more 


DISEASES  AND   EXEMIES   OF   BEES.  221 

easily  aroused  to  action.  This  may  account  for  the  cases 
tliat  are  cited  where  the  natives  winter  better  than  the 
Italians.  Another  proof  that  the  worrying  of  swarms 
while  in  winter  quarters  is  occasioned  by  these  pests,  is 
the  fact  that  the  bees  gradually  leave  the  hive  and  fall 
upon  the  cellar  bottom  ;  and  when  set  upon  their  summer 
stands,  these  weak  swarms  will  be  found  throwing  these 
parasites  from  the  hive  in  large  numbers.  It  has  been 
demonstrated  by  the  experience  of  many,  in  wintering, 
that  when  the  ventilating  slide  in  the  bottom  board  is 
left  opan,  the  bees  in  most  cases  cluster  lower  and  directly 
over  the  opening,  and  are  found  to  keep  more  quiet. 
This  method  has  been  recommended  because  of  the  evi- 
dently better  results,  I  had  supposed  that  the  advantage 
lay  in  the  fact  that  they  were  more  certain  of  their  free- 
dom from  the  opening  being  so  near,  and  I  yet  believe 
this  to  be  a  condition  which  favors  this  result.  It  occurs 
to  me,  however,  since  my  acquaintance  with  these  para- 
sites that  they  were  also  more  easily  removed  from  the 
hive  when  it  was  thus  arranged.  I  have  examined  the 
dust  which  dropped  from  the  cluster  through  this  open- 
ing, when  in  winter  quarters,  and  lodged  upon  the  top  of 
the  hive  beneath,  and  in  nearly  every  case  found  these  in- 
sects. It  has  been  found  to  conduce  to  successful  winterincr 
to  place  a  rim  under  each  hive,  raising  it  a  short  distance 
from  the  bottom  board.  In  this  case,  the  insects  in  the 
dust  would  be  farther  from  the  cluster  of  bees,  and  less 
likely'  to  annoy  them.  It  has  often  been  noticed  that 
during  the  spring  and  summer  months,  young  bees  are 
thrown  from  the  cells  that  have  been,  through  some 
cause,  destroyed  before  maturing.  Cases  have  been  re- 
ported where  young  bees  have  been  so  removed  in  large 
numbers.  It  seems  very  reasonable  to  infer  that  these 
may  have  been  destroyed  by  parasites,  as  I  have  found 
them  in  the  bodies  of  such  bees. 

They  arc  found  in  all  parts  of  the  hives  where  the  bees 


222 


DISEASES   AND   ENEMIES    OF   BEES. 


can  not  reach  them.  AVhere  the  mat  hugs  closely  to  the 
frame,  they  will  often  be  found  between  it  and  the  frame, 
yome  of  them  frequent  the  hive  apparently  for  honey 


Yi<x.    85. 
"honey  bug." 


Fig.  So. 
xr.icnoDEs  apiarics. 


alone  ;  others  seem  to  be  found  only  in  the  dust  under 
the  cluster,  while  yet  others  appear  to  feed  upon  the 
bees,  especially  the  young  and  immature  bees  that  are 
thrown  from  the  combs.  The  insect  found  most  fre- 
quently in  the  dust  is  a  small  chestnut-brown  beetle, 
about  one-twelfth  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  clothed,  as 
seen  under  the  microscope,  with  the  most  minute  hairs. 
This  beetle  is  given  at  fig.  85,  of  course  greatly  enlarged. 
As  this  is  supposed  to  feed  upon 
honey,  it  is  known  to  bee-kee})ers 
as  the  ''Honey-bug."  A  beetle, 
which  in  Europe  destroys  the 
larva3  of  the  bee,  is  Trichodes 
apiarius ;  I  have  occasionally  de- 
tected what  appears  to  be  this  in- 
sect, as  it  agrees  well  with  Pack- 
ard's figure,  which  is  here  given  in 
fig.  8G.  Some  evidently  harbor  in 
Fig.  87.— SEED  GLASS.  |.|jg  niiuutc  pores  of  the  wood,  as 
often,  when  I  have  brought  a  bottom-board  into  a  warm 
room  for  examination,  scores  would  shortly  ap^icar  whcro 


DISEASES   AND    ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 


223 


scarcely  one  could  at  first  be  discerned.  The  good  results 
claimed  to  follow  a  thorough  painting  of  the  hive,  within 
as  well  as  without,  may  arise  from  the  closing  of  its  pores 
by  the  paint,  and  the 
consequent  exclusion 
of  these  insects.  Un- 
der certain  circum- 
stances, however,  this 
gain  may  be  counter- 
balanced by  disadvan- 
tages otherwise  men- 
tioned. A  common 
seed-glass,  such  as  are 
sold  by  opticians  (fig. 
87),  for  detecting  adul- 
terations or  impurities 
in  seeds  will  answer. 
Better  still,  as  afford- 
ing a  higher  power, 
and  being  more  con- 
venient in  use,  for  observing  these  parasites,  is  the 
American  Agriculturist  Simple  Microscope  (fig.  88),  of- 
fered by  the  Orange  Judd  Company. 

The  progressive  bee-keeper  will  here  find  interesting 
ground  for  investigation,  which  has  a  more  direct  bearing 
upon  vital  points  in  his  pursuit  than  may  at  first  be  sup- 
posed. I  anticipate  that  the  discoveries  of  the  near  fu- 
ture in  this  direction  will  not  only  be  surprising,  but  en- 
lighten us  materially  in  regard  to  many  mysteries  for 
which  we  are  as  yet  unable  to  furnish  a  solution. 


Fig.    88.— SIMPLE  MICB09C0PB. 


BEE-MOTH. 


If  we  combine  into  one  phalanx  all  other  enemies  of  the 
bee,  and  compare  their  ability  for  mischief,  with  that  of 
the  bee-moth,  we  shall  find  their  powers  of  destruction 


224  DISEASES   AND   ENEMIES   OF  BEES. 

but  feeble  in  comparison.  From  the  moth  herself  we 
would  have  nothing  to  fear,  were  it  not  for  her  progeny, 
a  hundred,  or  a  thousand,  vile  w'orms,  the  food  of  wiiich 
is  principally  wax. 

As  the  instinct  of  the  flesh-fly  directs  her  to  a  putrid  car- 
cass to  deposit  her  eggs,  that  her  offspring  may  have  their 
proper  food,  so  the  bee-moth  seeks  the  hive  containing 
combs,  where  the  natural  food  of  her  progeny  is  at  Ijand. 
During  the  day,  a  rusty  brown  miller,  Avitli  its  wings  close 


Fig.    83.  — BEE  MOTH. 

to  the  body,  may  be  often  seen  lying  perfectly  motionless 
on  the  corner  of  a  hive,  or  on  the  under  edge  of  the  top, 
where  it  projects  over.  They  are  more  frequent  at  the  cor- 
ners than  anywhere  else,  one-third  of  their  length  project- 
ing beyond  it,  appearing  much  like  a  sliver  on  the  edge  of  a 
board  that  is  somewhat  weather-beaten,  (fig.  89).  Their 
color  so  closely  resembles  that  of  old  wood,  that  no  doubt 
their  enemies  are  often  deceived,  and  they  thus  escape 
with  their  lives.  As  soon  as  darkness  shuts  out  the  view, 
and  there  is  no  danger  of  their  movements  being  discov- 
ered, they  throw  off  their  inactivity,  and  commence 
searching  for  a  place  to  deposit  their  eggs,  and  woe  to  the 
stock  that  has  not  bees  sufficient  to  drive  them  from  the 
comb.     Although  their  larvae  generally  has  a  skin  that 


DISEASES   AXD    E>'^EMIES   OF   BEES.  225 

the  bee  cannot  pierce  with  its  sting,  it  is  not  so  with  the 
moth,  and  of  this  fact  tliey  seem  to  be  aware,  for  when- 
ever a  bee  approaches  they  dart  away  with  a  speed 
much  greater  than  that  of  any  bee  disposed  to  follow. 
They  enter  the  hive,  and  dodge  out  in  a  moment,  either 
from  fear  of  tlie  bees,  or  from  having  actually  encountered 
them.  Now  it  needs  no  argument  to  show  that,  when 
our  stocks  are  well  protected,  there  must  be  a  poor  chance 
for  the  moth  to  deposit  her  eggs  upon  the  combs,  which 
instinct  teaches  her  is  the  proper  place.  But  she  must 
leave  them  somewhere. 

AVHEEE   THEIR   EGGS    ARE    DEPOSITED. 

"When  driven  from  all  the  combs  within,  the  next  best 
places  are  the  cracks  and  flaws  about  the  hive,  that  are 


Fig.    90.— WORM  GALLERY  LS   COMB. 

lined  with  propolis,  and  the  dust  and  chips  that  fall  on 
the  floor-board  of  a  young  swarm  not  full.  This  last  ma- 
terial is  partly  wax,  and  answers  very  well  instead  of  comb. 
The  eggs  will  hatch  here,  and  the  worms  sometimes  as- 
cend to  the  comb ;  but  if  the  dust  that  collects  upon 
the  bottom  is  kept  brushed  off  clean,  it  will  prevent  those 
liatched  there  from  going  np,  and  also  hinder  the  bees  from 


226 


DISEASES   AND   ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 


taking  np  any  eggs  on  their  feet,  if  this  should  happen  to 
be  the  method  by  which  they  get  among  the  combs  of  a 
populous  stock,  Tliey  are  often  defcpcted  there,  and  I 
can  conceive  of  no  other  means  by  which  they  can  be  de- 
posited. A  worm  lodged  in  the  comb  makes  his  way 
either  to  the  center,  or  between  the  heads  of  the  young 

bees  in  the  cells  and 
the  sealing,  and  as  he 
proceeds,  eats  a  pas- 
sage, lining  it  with  a 
shroud  of  silk,  and 
Fig.  91.-WORM  GAixERv  REMOVED.        gi^^dually     enlarging 

it,  as  he  increases  in  size,  as  shown  in  fig.  90.  When 
combs  are  filled  with  honey,  they  work  on  the  surface, 
eating  only  the  sealing.  In  very  weak  families,  this  silken 
passage  (fig.  91)  is  left  untouched,  but  is  usually  re- 
moved by  ail  strong  colonies. 

When  a  worm  is  in  the  center  of  a  comb  filled  with 
brood,  its  passage  is  not  at  first  discovered.  The  bees,  to 
get  it  out,  must  bite  away  half  the  thickness  of  the  comb, 
removing  the  brood  in  one  or  two  rows  of  cells,  sometimes 
for  several  inches.  This  will  account  for  the  number  of 
immature  bees  often  found  in  the  spring  on  the  floor- 
board at  morning  ;  as  well  as  in  stocks  but  partially  pro- 
tected after  the  swarming  season. 

DEVELOPMENT   OF  THE   LARV^. 

When  undisturbed,  the  larvae  will  grow  one-half  or  two- 
thirds  larger  than  when  their  right  to  the  comb  is  dis- 
puted. In  one  case  they  often 
make  their  growth,  and  actu- 
ally wind  up  in  their  cocoon, 
when  less  than  an  inch  in 
length ;  in  the  other,  they  will 
quietly  fatten  until  they  are  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  and 
as  large  as  a  pipe-stem  (fig.   92.)     When  first  hatched 


Fiir.   92. — MOTH  LARV.«. 


DISEASES   AND    ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 


327 


inactive    for 


from  the  egg  it  is  diflBciilt  to  discern  them  with  the  naked 
eye.  Their  rapidity  of  growth  depends  us  much  on  the 
temperature  in  which  they  are  placed,  as  npon  their  good 
living.  A  few  days  of  hot  weather  may  develop  the  full- 
grown  worm,  which  would  require  weeks  and  even 
months  in  a  lower  temperature. 

The  larva,  after  spinning  its  cocoon  (fig.  93),  soon 
changes  into  a  chrysalis,  and  remains 
several  days,  when 
it  makes  an  open- 
ing in  one  end,  and 
crawls  out.  The 
time  necessary  for 
this  transforma- 
tion is  also  gov- 
erned by  the  tem- 
perature, although 
I  think  but  few  ever  pass  the  winter  in  this  state.  A  moth 
will  rarely  be  found  before  the  end  of  May,  and  not 
many  are  seen  until  the  middle  of  June  ;  but  after  this 
time  they  are  more  numerous  until  the  end  of  the  season. 


Fig.  93.— COCOONS. 


DESTROYED    BY    SEVERE    COLD. 

Mr.  Quinby's  experience,  as  well  as  my  own,  leads  me 
to  differ  with  some  modern  writers  on  this  point,  and  I 
am  compelled  to  maintain,  that  if  combs  containing  eggs 
or  larvae  are  exposed  to  the  severe  cold  of  our  northern 
winters,  not  a  single  worm  will  be  produced  before  the 
middle  of  June,  or  until  some  moth,  matured  in  another 
hive,  has  had  access  to  the  combs,  and  an  opportunity  to 
deposit  her  eggs  therein. 

REMEDIES. 


It  has  already  been  observed  that  the  Italians  are  much 
less  liable  to  be  disturbed,  or  injured  by  the  bee-moth, 


228  DISEASES   AND   ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 

than  the  natives.  Their  disposition  to  defend  themselves 
so' vigorously,  is  an  invahuiblc  ally  to  the  careful  bee-keeper. 
With  the  frequent  handling  of  movable  combs,  in  the 
various  operations  incident  to  the  season,  a  worm  in  any 
part  of  the  hive  can  readily  be  detected  and  disposed  of, 
and  there  is  little  excuse  for  allowing  them  to  become 
numerous.  A  knife  or  other  sharp-pointed  instrument 
should  be  at  hand  to  administer  speedy  justice,  as  every 
one  not  destroyed,  soon  becomes  a  host.  Combs  taken 
from  hives  in  which  bees  have  been  wintered,  and  later 
in  the  season,  such  spare  combs  as  the  moth  may  have  had 
access  to,  should  be  examined,  and  if  signs  of  its  work 
are  seen,  the  coinbs  should  be  placed  in  a  box,  and  sub- 
jected to  the  fumes  of  brimstone.  Such  combs  are  valua- 
ble, and  should  be  preserved.  If,  from  any  mishap  or 
carelessness,  a  stock  becomes  so  over-run  with  worms  as 
to  be  in  danger  of  destruction,  the  bees  should  be  remov- 
ed, and  the  hive  and  contents  thoroughly  fumigated  with 
brimstone.  If  any  brood  should  be  worth  saving,  let 
it  be  cut  out,  and  cared  for.  The  combs  unfit  for 
any  purpose,  should  be  buried  or  burned. 

MOTH-PROOF   HIVES. 

No  hive  has  ever  yet  been  invented  which  will  exclude 
the  moth.  It  is  distressing  to  contemplate  the  amount  of 
humbuggery  that  credulous  bee-keepers  have  endured  for 
scores  of  years,  in  the  sha})e  of  so-called  moth-proof 
hives.  Let  it  be  distinctly  understood  by  all  beginners 
that  the  moth  is  not  the  cause  of  the  decline  of  a  once 
healthy  stock.  It  simply  takes  advantage  of  the  weak- 
ness induced  by  other  causes.  Therefore,  the  obvious 
remedy  or  preventive  is,  to  "keep  all  colonies  strong," 
aad  destroy  every  moth,  larva,  or  chrysalis  at  sight. 


DISEASES   AKD    ENEMIES   OF   BEES. 


^^29 


THE   BEE-KILLKK. 


In  the  Western  and  Southern  States  bees  suffer  greatly 
from  a  two-winged,  very  voracious  insect  known  as  the 
*' Bee-killer."  It  is  the 
Asilus  Missouriensis  of  Ri- 
ley, and  is  given  in  fig.  94, 
of  the  natural  size,  from 
Riley's  "First  Report  on 
the  Insects  of  Missouri." 
Its  general  color  is  yellow- 
ish brown  or  yellowish  grey, 
and  but  little  is  known  of 
its  history  and  habits.  It 
pounces  upon  the  bee  Avliile 
on  the  Aving,  and  takes  its 
victim  to  some  plant,  or  even  to  the  ground  where,  with 
its  stout  proboscis,  it  sucks  out  the  inside  of  the  bee  and 
leaves  but  an  empty  shell.  Though  occasionally  found 
in  the  Eastern  States,  this  insect  has  fortunately  not  be- 
come common.  But  little  is  known  as  to  the  best  methods 
of  destroying  it ;  bee-keepers  should  be  on  the  watch  for 
this  enemy,  and  destroy  it  wherever  it  is  found. 


Fiar.  94. — ^bee  killek. 


RATS   AJs'D    MICE. 


Rats  and  mice  are  never  troublesome,  except  in  cold 
weather.  The  entrances  of  all  hives  standing  out,  are 
much  too  small  to  admit  a  rat.  No  damage  need  be  ap- 
prehended from  them  except  when  the  hives  are  in  the 
house.  They  appear  to  be  fond  of  honey,  and  when  it  is 
accessible,  will  eat  several  pounds  in  a  short  time. 

Mice  Avill  often  enter  the  hive  on  the  out-door  stand, 
when  not  excluded,  and  make  extensive  depredations. 
Sometimes,  after  cutting  a  space  in  the  combs,  they  will 
make  their  nests  there.     The  animal  heat  created  bv  the 


530  DISEASES   AND   ENEMIES   OF  BEES. 

bees,  will  make  a  snug,  warm  place  for  winter  quarters. 
The  "deer  mouse"  seems  to  be  particularly  fond  of  the 
bees,  while  those  belonging  to  the  house,  seem  to  relish 
the  honey. 

The  entrance  to  the  hives  should  be  contracted  so  that 
a  mouse  cannot  enter.  The  apartment  in  which  the  bees 
are  wintered,  should  be  cleared  of  rats  and  mice,  and 
every  means  taken  to  keep  them  out,  as  their  running 
over  the  hives,  even  if  prevented  from  entering  them, 
annoys  and  disturbs  the  bees. 

BIRDS. 

Most  birds  are  included  in  the  list  of  enemies  of  bees, 
but  I  have  a  word  to  say  in  favor  of  some  of  them.  The 
King-bird  is  generally  jilaced  at  the  head  of  the  list  of 
feathered  depredators.  After  close  observation  of  the 
habits  of  this  bird,  I  am  convinced  that  he  destroys  not 
only  drones,  but  workers  and  queens  as  well.  The  King- 
birds are  most  active  about  the  apiary  at  those  times  of 
the  day  when  the  drones  are  flying  most  freely.  This  indi- 
cates to  me  the  greatest  injury  they  may  inflict  upon  our 
interests.  The  queens  are  then  usually  upon  the  wing  to 
meet  the  drones,  and  are  consequently  in  danger  of  being 
caught  by  the  birds.  My  friend,  Mr.  E.  D.  Clark,  is 
quite  positive  that  he  lo3t  several  queens  in  one  season, 
in  this  manner.  If  I  were  rearing  queens  largely,  and 
these  birds  were  numerous  at  this  period,  I  should  feel 
justified  in  reducing  their  numbers,  but  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  I  should  be  slow  to  recommend  their  de- 
struction. 

Since  writing  the  above.  Captain  Hetherington  has  re- 
lated to  m3  tlie  conclusions  of  anotlier  gentleman,  who  is 
a  close  observer.  Tiio  general  result  of  an  examination 
of  their  crops  is,  that  the  remains  of  the  bees  are  in  such  a 
mutilated  condition  as  to  be  bevond  identification.     This 


DISEASES   AND    ENEMIES   OF    BEES.  231 

gentleman  noticed  a  King-bird  catching  several  bees  near 
the  same  spot,  and  upon  close  scrutiny  saw  small  par- 
ticles drop  to  the  ground  as  the  bird  captured,  the  bee. 
Upon  a  careful  search,  ho  found  both  extremities  of  the 
bees  upon  the  ground,  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  bird  caught  the  bee  in  such  a  manner  as  to  secure  the 
honey-sac,  and  drop  the  remainder.  While  my  own  ex- 
perience has  not  verified  this,  it  does  not  disprove 
it.  Wrens  are  of  great  value  in  an  apiary  in  picking  up 
every  worm  that  may  chance  to  be  exposed.  Every  in- 
ducement should  be  presented  to  attract  them  to  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  hives.  Suitable  houses  in  which  they  may 
build  their  nests  should  be  put  wp  in  appropriate  places. 
Cat-birds  are  also  worthy  of  passing  notice.  They  may 
be  seen  at  nearly  all  hours  of  the  day,  passing  from  hive 
to  hive,  picking  up  worms  and  immature  bees  as  they  are 
thrown  out. 

AISTTS,    TOADS,    AISTD  SPIDERS. 

Ants  are  undoubtedly  an  annoyance  to  the  bees  as  well 
as  to  their  keeper.  Their  fondness  for  sweets  is  such 
that  the  bees  must  guard  their  stores  well,  to  protect 
them  from  these  tiny  marauders.  They  may  usually  be 
driven  from  the  hives  where  they  congregate,  by  brushing 
and  smoking.  Alcohol,  applied  to  the  parts  they  fre- 
quent, will  speedily  destroy  them.  That  toads  feed  upon 
bees  may  easily  be  ascertained  by  any  watchful  bee- 
keeper ;  yet,  as  they  are  seldom,  if  ever,  found  catching 
them  at  hours  when  the  life  of  a  queen  would  be  en- 
dangered, they  are  less  obnoxious  than  King-birds.  The 
only  harm  that  can  ever  be  done  by  spiders  is  that  the 
bees  will  sometimes  become  entangled  in  their  webs  when 
spun  about  the  hive.  With  little  care  both  the  spiders 
and  their  webs  may  be  destroyed. 


•^32  MARKETING    HOXEY. 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

MARKETING    HONEY. 
A   SUBJECT   OF   IMPORTANCE. 

We  have  now  readied  a  subject  of  considerable  import- 
ance, but  which  lias  not  excited  any  unusual  interest 
until  very  recently.  This  is  the  more  remarkable  from 
the  fact  that  the  appearance  and  condition  of  honey,  when 
put  in  market,  has  a  direct  effect  upon  the  price  received. 
It  is  to  be  observed  that  not  only  do  different  markets 
vary  in  the  form  of  package  required,  but  the  demand 
changes  from  year  to  year.  Where  ten  years  ago  large 
boxes,  in  as  large  cases  as  could  conveniently  be  handled, 
were  universally  sold,  there  has  been  a  steady  change  to 
smaller  boxes  and  lighter  cases.  These  facts  make  it  in- 
dispensable for  an  enterprising  bee-keeper  to  study  his 
market  carefully,  and  prepare  his  honey  accordingly.  In 
connection  with  the  demands  of  a  more  distant  and  gen- 
eral market,  we  should  not  ignore  the  advantage  of  a 
large  and  well  supplied  home  trade.  In  addition  to  this, 
experience  proves  that  where  the  crop  is  not  large  enough 
to  justify  shipping  to  a  distance,  it  pays  well  to  put  a 
wagon  on  the  road,  and  deliver  to  consumers  at  their 
doors,  thus  saving  commissions  and  the  risks  of  trans- 
portation. 

NEATNESS. 

It  is  beyond  question  that,  aside  from  the  best  size  of 
boxes  and  packages,  the  utmost  neatness  and  precision  in 
manufacture  and  preparation  must  be  observed,  to  give 
any  certain  brand  of  honey  a  permanent  reputation  among 
the  large  dealers.  To  producers,  who  have  invested  time 
and  capital  in  this  business  to  much  extent,  these  consid- 
erations are  important.     A  standard  of  quality,  so  well 


MAKKETIXG    HONEY.  233 

established,  that  the  name  of  the  producer  alone,  is  a 
guarantee  of  excellence,  is  an  achievement  worthy  of  ear- 
nest effort. 

OBJECTION"  TO   LARGE   CASES. 

The  disadvantages  of  too  large  cases  for  shipping  box- 
honey  are  frequently  evident.  I  have  often  seen  combs 
broken  from  the  boxes  because  the  package  was  too  heavy 
to  admit  of  its  being  handled  with  sufficient  care.  Cus- 
tomers will  often  refuse  to  purchase  large  cases,  even 
when  the  honey  suits  them  better  than  that  in  cases  one- 
fourth  the  size,  and,  instead  of  a  large  case,  will  take 
four  of  the  smaller  .ones  to  get  the  desired  amount. 

TWO-STORY   CASES. 

Mr.  Heddon  recommends  cases  in  which  two  tiers  of 
boxes  are  to  be  placed.  There  are  objections  to  this  form 
of  case.  If,  from  any  caiTse,  a  comb  in  the  upper  tier  is 
broken,  and  leaks  ever  so  little,  the  boxes  below  will  in- 
e\itably  become  soiled.  This  is  a-  sufficient  argument  iu 
favor  of  but  one  tier  of  .boxes  in  a  case. 

SMALL   CASES    POPULAR. 

The  size  of  case  which  is  coming  into  general  use  with 
the  best  apiarians,  is  one  that  contains  twelve  single-comb 
boxes,  or  six  two-comb  boxes.  They  will  hold  about 
twenty  pounds,  the  weight  varying  with  the  size  of  the 
box.  This  case,  now  known  as  the  ''Prize  Crate,"  has 
been  the  favorite  package  in  this  section  for  several  years. 
In  1877,  I  packed  a  portion  of  my  honey  in  still  smaller 
cases,  each  containing  but  six  boxes  weighing  about  ten 
pounds.  I  had  hardly  packed  the  first  one,  before  a  party 
seeing  it  said  it  was  just  the  package  he  wanted  for  fam- 
ily use.  Similar  expressions  of  approval,  both  before  and 
after  they  were  placed  in  market,  satisfied  me  that  such  a 


:.>34 


MARKETING    UOXEY. 


size  would  meet  the  wants  of  a  large  class  of  customers, 
both  dealers  and  consumers.  .Still  later  experience  con- 
vinces me  that  even  a  smaller  case  yet,  will  become  popu- 
lar. I  have  put  up  cases 
of  three  boxe3  only, 
weighing  but  five 
pounds,  for  the  IS'cw 
York  market,  which 
were  much  liked,  and 
sold  well.  Figure  95 
shows  three  sizes  of 
cases,  holding  five,  ten, 
and  twenty  pounds  re- 
spectively. The  objec- 
tions that  arise  are,  the 
trouble  of  handling  such 
-.    „_  small  packages,  and  ex- 

i  Ig.  »5. — THREE  SIZES  OF  HOXET  BOXES.      ,  7       p  p       , 

tra  cost  01  manufacture. 
The  latter  is  amply  met  by  the  increased  popularity  of  the 
case.  To  obviate  the  extra  trouble  of  handling,  I  made 
the  small  cases  very 
light,  and  re-cased  them 
in  larger  ones,  each  hold- 
ing eight,  making  an 
average  net  weight  of 
forty  pounds.  The  add- 
ed labor  and  expense  is 
partially  met  by  the  de- 
cided advantage  of  plac- 
ing our  honey  in  a  dis- 
tant market,  in  a  neat 
and  attractive  condition, 
the  outer  case  prevent- 
ing the  inner  ones  from 
becoming  soiled.  Those  who  have  most  experience  in 
shipping  honey  will  see  in  this  an  advantage  worthy  of 


Fig.  90. 

EIGHT   FIVE-POUND   CANS   RE-CASED. 


MARKETING    HONEY.  235 

some  extra   trouble.      Figure    96   represents   a   case   of 
this  kind. 

PKEPARING   BOXES   FOR   MARKET. 

All  boxes  should  be  thoroughly  cleaned  of  any  propolis 
and  wax  that  may  adhere  to  them.  The  section-boxes 
must  now  have  the  glass  added.  The  disadvantages  of 
putting  section  fi-ames,  or  unglazed  boxes,  in  market  have 
been  enlarged  upon  in  another  chapter.  There  may  be 
markets  that  demand  such,  but  in  all  with  which  I  am 
familiar,  it  is  desirable  to  have  glass  on  both  sides.  I  do 
not  urge  the  glazing  of  each  section-box  from  pecuniary 
motives,  but  from  the  evident  fact  that  it  is  more  prac- 
tical and  agreeable  to  customers.  The  popularity  of  the 
single-comb  box  should  be  proof  of  the  need  of  ample 
protection  with  glass.  It  Avould"  not  be  very  objection- 
able, with  five  or  ten  pound  cases,  to  put  glass  upon  but 
one  side  of  each  outside  box.  The  case  is  sold  as  a  fam- 
ily package,  and  the  first  box  used  may  be  taken  from 
the  center,  and  the  outside  one  moved  up,  thus  keeping 
it  tolerably  close.  I  should  prefer,  however,  if  boxes  in 
these  smaller  cases  were  not  to  be  wholly  glazed,  to  not 
put  any  in,  but  glaze  the  sides  of  the  case  instead,  thus 
keeping  the  combs  entirely  free  from  dust  and  intruders. 
The  same  suggestions  would  be  applicable  to  section 
frames.  If  box-honey  has  been  properly  cared  for  when 
removed  from  the  hive,  it  may  now  be  prepared  for 
market  without  danger  of  injur}-  from  moth-worms  after 
being  cased.  One  of  our  Bee  Journals  recently  advised 
putting  honey  upon  the  market  as  soon  as  it  was  taken 
from  the  hives.  This  would  be  dangerous  counsel  to 
follow,  as  it  Avould  be  certain  damage  to  future  sales  un- 
less disposed  of  and  consumed  at  once.  Two-comb  boxes 
should  have  all  entrances  closed.  For  this  purpose,  use 
a  heavy  quality  of  paper,  cut  the  proper  size,  and  pasted 
over  the  openings  with  common  flour  paste. 


iJ36  MAKKETIXG    HONEY. 

GRADING    HONEY. 

In  casing  honey,  it  should  he  graded  closely,  and  each 
quality  packed  separately.  Where  white  honey  only  is 
secured,  it  is  possible  that  there  may  be  but  one  quality  ; 
yet  it  is  usually  best  to  make  two  grades,  even  if  it  is  sim- 
ply marked,  1st  and  2d.  Where  both  white  and  dark 
honey  are  gathered,  it  is  usually  necessary  to  make  three 
grades.  I  mark  best  quality,  ''C,"  buckwheat,  "  B," 
and  boxes  containing  a  portion  of  each,  "M,"  or  mixed. 

PACKING   HONEY. 

Each  case  should  be  weighed  before  being  filled,  and 
its  weight  marked  upon  it.  The  honey  should  also  be 
weighed  l)efore  putting  it  in  the  case.  Select  the  desired 
number  of  boxes,  and  if  they  do  not  weigh  even  pounds, 
change  a  box  or  two  for  a  lighter  or  heavier  one,  until 
tbe  right  weight  is  obtained  ;  then  fill  the  case  and  mark 
the  net  weight  upon  the  end.  Let  the  combs  stand 
lengthwise  of  the  case.  In  handling  section  boxes,  from 
the  time  they  are  first  made,  until  ready  for  market,  it  is 
well  never  to  set  them  down  upon  the  sides  that  are  to 
show  when  cased.  AVTien  packing  comb-honey  to  ship  to 
a  distance,  it  should  be  placed  in  the  cases,  with  the  side 
downwards  to  which  the  honey  is  most  firmly  secured. 

MARKING   CASES. 

In  shipping  lioney  to  largo  buyers,  or  to  commission 
merchants,  they  will  usually  furnish  a  stencil  plate  for 
marking  the  address.  This  should  be  iipon  one  end  of 
the  case,  and  the  shipper's  initials  upon  tbe  other.  The 
letters  indicating  the  quality,  weight,  etc.,  should  be 
placed  as  shown  in  fig.  95.  The  neatness  and  business 
like  accuracy  with  which  these  details  are  carried  out, 
will  add  much  to  the  reputation  of  any  producer,  as  well 
as  enhance  his  profits.      It  is  wise,  never  to  put  your 


MARKETING    HONEY.  237 

whole  name  and  address  upon  your  cases,  unless  you  sell 
directly  to  the  retail  dealers,  as  it  will  usually  be  erased 
by  the  wholesale  merchants,  giving  the  case  an  untidy  and 
damaged  appearance. 

RELIABLE    DEALERS. 

The  necessity  of  patronizing  a  strictly  reliable  house 
cannot  be  too  strongly  impressed.  It  is  never  judicious 
to  allow  a  popular  brand  of  honey  to  go  into  the  hands 
of  dealers  who  are  known  to  handle  adulterated  honey  in 
any  form,  or  are  in  any  way  untrustworthy.  I  have  re- 
frained from  selling  my  honey  to  such  parties,  even  when 
offered  a  larger  cash  price  for  it,  than  I  could  realize  by 
placing  it  in  the  hands  of  a  reliable  commission  merchant. 
Thoroughly  honest  and  trustworthy  men  can  be  found  in 
every  city  and  town^  and  should  be  sought  out  and 
patronized. 

MATERIAL   FOR   CASES. 

For  the  ends  of  the  case  and  the  slats  at  the  side  I  find 
nothing  better  than  bass  wood.  The  very  best  white  bass- 
wood  should  be  procured  for  the  purpose.  The  top  and 
bottom  may  be  of  pine,  or  basswood  may  be  used  for  the 
whole  case. 

MANUFACTURING    CASES. 

All  work  should  be  done  in  the  neatest  and  most 
workmanlike  manner.  The  thickness  of  the  ends  should, 
of  course,  vary  according  to  the  size  of  the  cases  ; 
from  y„  inch  for  5  lb.  cases,  to  "/^  inch  for  a  20  lb.  case. 
In  shipping  and  storing  in  commission  houses,  where 
room  is  limited,  it  is  often  necessar}''  to  pile  the  cases 
several  tiers  high.  It  will  be  seen  that  they  must  be 
strong  that  those  at  the  bottom  may  sustain  the  weight 
of  all  above  them.  While  in  New  York  in  the  fall  of 
1878,  I  saw  a  fine  lot  of  honey  leaking  badly,  caused  by 


2138  MARKETING   HONEY. 

the  lower  tier  of  cases  being  racked  during  transporta- 
tion. Therefore,  let  all  cases  be  not  only  neatly,  but  sub- 
stantially made.  At  the  proper  place  in  each  end,  as 
shown  in  figs.  95  and  96,  a  handle  should  be  made  by  the 
use  of  a  wabble  saw.  A  top  and  bottom,  and  four  strips 
1'/^  inch  wide  and  '/^  or  '/^  inch  thickness,  according  to 
the  size  of  the  case,  constitute  the  remaining  material. 
This  makes  a  neat,  convenient,  and  attractive  case. 

TEANSPORTATION. 

"When  circumstances  will  permit,  I  prefer  shipping 
honey  by  boat,  yet  I  have  transported  it  largely  and  safely 
in  an  ordinary  railroad  freight  car.  This  manner  of  ship- 
ping is  very  commonly  practised,  large  quantities  coming 
in  this  way  from  California  to  New  York  in  good  con- 
dition. Care  must  be  exercised  to  pack  it  properly  in  the 
car.  Select  as  clean  a  car  as  possible,  and  place  upon  the 
bottom  about  two  inches  of  dry  sawdust,  or  straw.  Place 
some  straw,  or  bags  of  sawdust,  against  the  ends  of  the 
car,  and  crowd  the  first  tier  of  cases  firmly  against  it, 
with  the  ends  of  the  cases  to  the  end  of  the  car,  as  in  this 
position  the  combs  are  less  liable  to  be  broken  by  sudden 
stops  and  starts.  Avoid  putting  too  many  in  a  pile,  so  as 
not  to  strain  the  lower  cases.  Pack  the  tiers  firmly  to- 
gether, and  leave  no  chance  for  displacement.  If  the  car 
IS  not  full,  and  packing  is  not  put  in  at  both  ends,  pieces 
of  board  should  be  nailed  across  the  car,  about  6  inches 
from  the  last  tier  of  cases,  and  the  space  between  the 
boards  and  the  cases  packed  with  straw  or  bags  of  saw- 
dust, the  same  as  at  the  end.  Small  quantities  may  be 
shipped  safely  by  express. 

PREPARING  EXTRACTED  HONEY  FOR  MARKET. 

I  am  confident  that  the  market  for  extracted  honey 
will  gradually  improve  as  customers  become  convinced 


MARKETING   HONEY.  239 

that  granulation  is  a  sure  test  of  purity  ;  and  honey  in 
this  candied  form  will  soon  take  the  lead,  if  the  nefarious 
business  of  adulteration  with  glucose  continues.  It 
should  be  remembered  that  honey  containing  glucose  will 
not  become  candied,  and  that,  as  a  rule,  all  pure  liquid 
honey  will  granulate  in  cold  climates.  If  pure  honey  is 
placed  in  a  good  fruit  jar,  and  heated  to  160°  and  sealed 
in  the  same  manner  as  fruit  is  canned,  it  will  remain 
liquid.  Customers  preferring  it  in  a  liquid  state,  should 
purchase  the  granulated  honey,  and  liquefy  it  for  them- 
selves. Producers  wishing  to  ship  it  in  this  form,  should 
patronize  some  thoroughly  honest  dealer,  or  seal  their 
packages,  so  that  they  cannot  be  tampered  with. 

PROCESS  OF   LIQUEFACTION. 

The  process  of  liquefying  candied  honey  is  very  simple, 
yet  caution  must  be  observed  not  to  scorch  it.  The  ves- 
sel contaiuing  the  honey  should  be  placed  in  a  suitable 
boiler,  or  vat,  filled  with  Avater,  which  should  be  gradu- 
ally raised  to  a  temperature  of  160°.  If  the  quantity  of 
honey  is  large,  it  should  be  stirred  as  it  melts.  The  ves^ 
sel  should  be  raised  by  blocks  of  wood,  so  that  the  water 
can  pass  freely  under  it.  In  my  early  experience  in  this 
process,  I  found  it  possible  to  scorch  it  badly,  even  when 
heated  in  water  ;  and  great  care  must  be  exercised  that 
it  does  not  hei\t  up  too  rapidly. 

KIXD    OF    PACKAGE. 

The  package  in  which  extracted  honey  will  sell  best 
must  be  decided  by  the  demand.  In  our  home  market,  it 
is  sold  largely  in  jelly  cups  and  glass  fruit  cans  ;  also  in 
20  to  40  lb.  pails,  it  being  cut  from  the  pail,  and  sold  the 
same  as  butter.  In  cold  Aveather  I  have  kuown  parties  to 
buy  a  small  pail  or  tub  of  honey,  which  was  candied  hard, 
remove  the  hoops  and  staves,  and  cut  off  the  solid  honey 


240 


MARKETING    HONEY. 


-TWELVE  CANS   EXTRACTED 
HONEY   IN   CASES. 


in  portions  as  desired.  This  is  more  practicable  than 
would  at  first  seem.  In  putting  honey  in  jelly  cups  or 
fruit  cans,  always  furnish  a  standard  article.  AVe  once 
purchased  a  large  quantity  of  second-class  cans  for  this 
purpose,  because  they  were  cheaper,  and  when  brought 
into  competition  with  a  popular  style,  the  difference  was 

plainly  perceptible.     When 


cans  are  used,  let  each  dis- 
play an  attractive  label,  in- 
dicating the  quality  of  the 
honey,  and  your  address. 
Twelve  quart  cans  in  a  case, 
similar  to  those  used  for 
box  honey,  make  a  conve- 
nient package  for  handling, 
(fig.  97).  At  present  there 
is  good  sale  for  honey  in  casks,  or  firkins,  holding  from 
150  to  200  lbs.  Such  casks  should  be  well  made  and 
bound  with  wooden  hoops,  which  should  be  nailed  in 
place,  and  the  casks  well  coated  inside  with  beeswax,  be- 
fore filling.  To  coat  the  casks,  allow  them  to  stand  in 
the  sun,  until  they  are  quite  warm.  Apply  the  melted 
wax  while  hot ;  pour  a  quart  of  it  into  a  cask,  and  cork 
tightly ;  roll  and  turn  it  rapidly  until  every  spot  is  cov- 
ered, when  the  surplus  wax  may  be  poured  out.  The 
warmer  the  cask,  the  hotter  the  wax,  and  the  more  ex- 
peditious the  work,  the  less  wax  will  be  required.  Avoid 
filling  the  casks  too  full  with  cold  honey,  for,  if  allowed 
to  stand  in  a  warm  place,  the  honey  will  expand,  and 
cause  the  cask  to  leak.  Very  much  attention  is  being 
given  of  late  to  putting  up  extracted  honey  in  small 
packages.  Even  as  small  as  one-quarter  pound  are  be- 
coming popular. 

C.  F.  Muth  furnishes  glass  bottles  (see  fig.  98),  hold- 
fi'om  one-qnarter  pound  to  two  pounds,  which  arc  very 


MARKETING   HONEY. 


241. 


desirable,  because  of   their  neatness,  and  also   because 
they  "will  not  corrode. 

Dadant  &  Son,  Jones  and  other  bee-keepers,  use  small 
tin  pails,  Avhich,  when  neatly  labelled,  present  an  at- 


Fig.  98. — muth's  honey  bottles. 

tractive  appearance,  and  there  is  no  danger  of  breakage 
as  with  glass.  We  have  used  these  largely  with  great 
satisfaction  in  our  home  trade.  I  would  encourage  in  all 
possible  ways  the  developing  of  a  home  market. 


242  WINTERING. 

CHAPTER    XVII. 

WINTERING. 

How  to  winter  bees  siicctssfully,  has  been  to  bee-keep- 
ers their  most  vexatious  problem,  and  it  may  be  safely 
asserted  that  failure  in  bee-keeping  is  chiefly  attributable 
to  defective  wintering.  We  cannot  expect  profitable  re- 
turns during  the  summer  unless  we  commence  the  season 
"with  thrifty  colonies,  and  to  insure  this  condition,  they 
must  be  properly  wintered.  AVhile  there  is  yet  much  to 
be  done  before  we  have  a  perfect  method  of  Avintering,  I 
hope  that  a  varied  and  exteusive  experience  may  enable 
me  to  assist  somewhat  in  reaching  this  end. 

PREPARING  BEES  FOR  WINTER. 

The  properly  fitting  of  the  colonics  for  winter,  should  be 
borne  in  mind  during  the  entire  working  season.  In  esti- 
mating the  quantity  of  honey  required  for  wintering,  it 
must  be  remembered,  that  a  swarm  should  be  confined  to 
a  limited  number  of  combs.  Many  colonies  are  lost 
through  lack  of  attention  to  this  point.  A  marked  ad- 
vantage is  found  here  in  the  use  of  the  closed-end  stand- 
ing-frame ;  this,  of  itself,  regulates  the  size  of  the 
brood-nest,  which  varies  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
frames  used. 

The  necessary  supply  of  honey  should  be  contained  in 
five,  or,  at  most,  six  combs  of  the  Quinby  size.  Five 
combs,  averaging  five  pounds  each,  or  six,  with  four 
pounds  each,  will  generally  prove  sufficient.  For  winter- 
ing out-of-doors,  an  excess  of  five  pounds  should  be  al- 
lowed, and  as  much  less  will  answer  for  hives  wintered 
under  cover.  The  outside  combs  will  naturally  contain 
more  than  those  at  the  center,  leaving  the  latter  with 


WINTERING.  243 

more  empty  cells  in  the  proper  place  for  occupancy  by  the 
bees.  If  they  are  to  be  left  out-of-doors,  cai'e  must  be 
taken  not  to  have  these  center  combs  too  full  of  honey^ 
as  the  bees  must  cluster  more  compactly  than  when  they 
have  warmer  surroundings.  Mr.  Betsinger  advocates 
wintering  in  combs  full  of  sealed  honey.  This  is  an  ex- 
treme  which  I  cannot  endorse,  bub  the  opposite  extrome 
of  too  much  empty  comb,  should  also  be  avoided.  In 
determining  the  amount  of  winter  food,  it  is  necessary  to 
know  the  average  weight  of  the  hive  and  contents,  inde- 
pendent of  the  honey;  all  stocks  should  be  weighed,  and 
those  too  heavy,  should  exchange  combs  with  such  as  are 
lacking.  If,  from  any  cause,  there  is  a  deficieiicy,  it 
must  be  supplied  as  directed  in  the  Chapter  on  Feeding. 

The  habit  of  the  beas,  of  filling  out  with  honey,  cells 
containing  pollen,  is  sometimes  the  cause  of  an  incorrect 
estimate  of  the  amount  of  honey  in  a  hive,  especially  if 
it  has  been  queenless,  and  the  pollen  unconsumed  by 
young  bees.  I  have  furnished  such  combs  to  colonies  for 
winter,  judging  from  the  weight  that  the  supply  would 
be  ample  and  found,  too  late,  that  the  excess  of  pollen 
had  deceived  me,  as  the  bees  perished  before  spring  for 
want  of  honoy.  At  the  same  time  that  we  arc  con- 
sidering these  conditions,  we  must  aim  to  secure  large 
quantities  of  young  bees  for  winter.  The  importance  of 
this  consideration,  cannot  be  over-estimated. 

In  the  winter  of  1869-70,  probably  more  bees  were  lost 
than  in  any  other  season  in  the  history  of  bee-keeping. 
Those  who  suffered  as  largely  as  we  did  at  that  time,  will 
remember  that  the  preceding  season  of  1869  was  so  poor, 
that,  during  the  latter  part  of  it,  very  little,  if  any  brood 
was  reared.  The  result  was,  that  nearly  all  of  the  bees 
that  went  into  winter-quarters  were  old.  During  the 
spring  of  1870,  these  old  bees  wasted  very  rapidly,  as 
might  have  been  expected,  and  very  few  swarms  recovered 
sufficiently  to  stor«  surplus  honey  to  any  extent,  although 


244 


WINTERING. 


the  season  was  one  of  the  very  best,  as  is  usually  the  case 
after  the  other  extreme. 

In  the  State  of  Vermont  1869  was  a  very  favorable 
seasou.  In  1870,  we  purchased  thirty  colonies  there,  and 
moved  them  to  our  own  apiary  at  St.  Johnsville,  h.  Y. 
Ten  of  these  we  used  for  the  trade,  and  devoted  the  re- 
mainder to  surplus,  of  which  they  gave  us  more  than  the 
170  swarms  which  we  had  wintered.  I  mention  this 
merely  to  illustrate  the  contrast  in  results  from  bees  that 
winter  well,  and  those  that  are  weak  and  feeble  in  spring. 

In  all  manipulations  at  this  season,  great  care  should  be 
observed  not  to  injure  the  queen,  as  it  is  essential  to  suc- 
cess that  each  colony  begin  the  winter  with  a  perfect,  pro- 
lific queen.  Holes  should  be  made  with  a  knife  through 
each  comb  for  the  bees  to  pass  through,  from  one  to 
another,  without  being  obliged  to  go  around  the  outside. 
This  is  especially  necessary  if  they  are  to  be  wintered 
out-of-doors.  Thimbles  of  tin,  about  y,  inch  in  diame- 
ter, placed  in  the  comb,  are  useful  for  this  purpose. 

AVhere  the  Quinby  hive  with  the  large  case  is  used,  the 
frames  may  be  prepared  for  wintering  in-doors,  by  plac- 
ing   them  upon  a 


small  bottom- 
board,  with  a  quilt 
or  mat  covering  the 
entire  top,  and  the 
panels  at  the  sides, 
as  in  fig.  99.  These 
may  be  an*anged 
early  in  the  fall,  and 
left  standing  in  the 
outside  case,  until 
it  is  time  to  put 
them  in.  The  out- 
side  case  is  left  on 


FKAME3  PKEPAKED  FOR  WINTKK. 


Fig. 

the   summer    stand.      The    quilts 
may  be  made  of  unbleached   muslin,  and  should  con- 


WIXTERIXG.  -245 

tain  about  one  half  a  roll  of  cotton  batting.  They 
should  be  tied  at  intervals  of  three  or  four  inches,  and 
sewed  together  at  the  edges.  These  quilts  are  also  availa- 
ble for  all  frame  hives.  All  hives  and  stands  should  be 
numbered,  so  that  when  set  out  in  spring,  each  colony 
will  occupy  its  own  location.  While  this  is  not  absolutely 
essential,  when  they  are  not  to  be  taken  out  until  spring, 
it  is  in  many  respects  desirable. 

PERFECT    QriET   ESSENTIAL. 

The  great  necessity  for  leaving  bees  undisturbed,  as  far 
as  possible,  during  the  entire  time  that  they  cannot  gather 
honey  or  pollen,  is  not  fully  appreciated.  As  good  results 
ias  have  ever  been  reported,  have  been  attained  where  bees 
■were  wintered  by  burying ;  yet,  it  is  quite  evident  that, 
a^ide  from  the  one  item  of  perfect  quiet,  much  better 
conditions  may  be  secured  than  "when  surrounded  Avith 
damp  soil.  If  it  were  not  that  an  occasional  examination 
is  needful,  to  see  that  rats  or  mice  have  not  affected  an 
entrance,  or,  to  ascertain  if  the  room  is  not  unduly  damp, 
I  would  advise  locking  the  door  of  the  wintering  apart- 
ment, and  not  opening  it  again  until  spring.  But  I  ad- 
vise making  these  examinations  and  any  needed  changes 
as  quietly  and  seldom  as  possible.  All  ventilators 
should  be  so  arranged  as  to  be  regulated  from  the  outside, 
and  means  for  ascertaining  the  temperature,  without  en- 
tering the  room  for  tlie  purpose,  should  be  provided,  as 
hereafter  described. 

OUT-OF-DOOR    WINTERING. 

Many  practical  bee-keepers  still  advocate  out-of-door 
wintering,  and  in  many  instances,  there  is  no  question 
Taut  bees  may  be  wintered  upon  their  summer  stands  with 
success.  Unless  they  may  be  placed  in  a  suitable  apart- 
ment, where  the  necessary  conditions  can  be  maintained. 


246  WINTERING. 

I  am  satisfied  that  it  would  be  better  to  prepare  the  hives 
as  will  be  described,  and  leave  them  upon  their  summer 
stands.  Yet,  my  experience  in  wintering  under  nearly 
all  circumstances,  will,  I  think,  warrant  the  assumi)tion 
that,  all  things  considered,  in-door  wintering  is  preferable, 
particularly  in  our  cold  climate. 

If  bees  are  to  be  left  upon  their  summer  stands,  the 
first  thing  necessary  is,  to  provide  the  hives  with  ample 
protection  from  cutting  winds.  If  this  is  not  afforded 
naturally,  a  tight  board  fence  should  be  built  for  the  pur- 
pose. Many  practice  packing  straw  about  the  hives  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  sun  cannot,  at  any  time,  shine 
upon  any  part  of  them,  unless  temporarily  upon  the 
front,  which  is  the  very  thing  that  should  be  avoided, 
as  this  induces  the  bees  to  fly.  Properly  arranged  pack- 
ing at  the  tops  and  sides  of  frames,  is  often  very  advan- 
tageous, yet,  as  it  is  generally  used,  I  think  it  is  the  cause 
of  the  loss  of  more  bees  than  it  benefits.  I  speak  from 
experimental  knowledge,  having  packed  hundreds  of 
colonies  in  the  Quinby  hives.  It  will  be  seen  by  noticing 
the  construction  of  this  hive,  that  the  case  is  large  and 
that,  when  all  boxes  are  removed,  the  space  for  packing  is 
abundant.  I  have  filled  this  space  with  saw-dust,  chaff, 
cut  and  whole  straw,  and  dearly  bought  experience 
forces  me  to  say,  that  with  improper  management,  very 
bad  results  come  from  the  use  of  such  packing.  The  ar- 
gument offered  in  its  favor,  is,  that  the  packing  will  ab- 
sorb the  moisture,  and  retain  the  warmth  of  the  bees. 
This  is  true,  and  it  is  equally  true  that,  unless  the  sun  is 
allowed  to  reach  this  packing  and  evaporate  the  moisture, 
it  is  the  direct  cause  of  harm. 

If  bees  are  to  receive  no  attention,  I  would  prefer  to 
risk  a  common  box-hive  with  holes  in  the  top,  loosely 
filled  with  rags  or  some  porous  substance,  than  those 
packed  with  chaff  or  straw.  Cold  is  not  so  frequent  a 
cause  of  loss  in  winter  as  many  suppose,  provided  the 


WINTEEIXQ.  247 

bees  have  plenty  of  proper  food,  and  are  kept  suitably 
dry.*  But,  if  proper  care  is  taken  to  occasionally  re- 
move the  roof,  and  often  the  cap  or  cover  of  the  hive, 
and  allow  the  inside  to  receive  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun 
to  dry  off  all  moisture,  success  in  wintering  will  be  much 
more  certain.  If  the  case  or  cap  be  adjusted  loosely,  it 
will  afford  the  moisture  better  opportunity  to  escape. 
Care  must,  of  course,  be  exercised  in  taking  these  pre- 
cautions not  to  jar,  or  in  any  way  arouse  the  bees  to 
activity  ;  nor  should  the  hive  be  disturbed  at  any  time 
when  the  temperature  would  induce  the  bees  to  fly.  At 
such  times,  I  would  prevent  their  flying,  by  shading  the 
hive  from  the  sun. 

IN-DOOR   WIXTEEING. 

Dry,  pure  air,  and  a  proper  and  even  temperature,  are 
two  prime  essentials  in  successful  wintering.  These  cer- 
tainly can  not  be  so  perfectly  controlled  out-of-doors  as 
in  a  suitable  in-door  repository. 

AETIFICIAL   HEAT. 

The  necessity  of  being  able  to  supply  artificial  heat  to 
aid  in  securing  proper  ventilation,  temperature,  and  free- 
dom from  moisture  is  very  generally  conceded.  I  have 
had  excellent  opportunities,  while  purchasing  bees  in  va- 
rious sections,  for  noticing  the  circumstances  under 
which  they  had  been  wintered,  as  well  as  the  effect  upon 
their  condition  in  spring,  and  found  that  in  proportion 
as  they  were  aided  by  artificial  heat,  they  had  wintered 
well,  other  conditions  being  equal.  Very  often,  when  a 
cellar  was  dry,  and  a  constant  fire  was  kept  above,  the 
most  satisfactory  results  were  attained.  Mr.  J.  H.  Buck- 
lin,  of  Little  Falls,  N.  Y.,  wintered  bees  in  a  room,  par- 
titioned off  in  a  cellar,  with  a  brick  wall  between  it  and 


*  I  have  fuaud  buckwheat  chaff  to  be  preferable  to  other  materials  for  packing. 


248  WINTERING. 

a  fnrnaee,  during  the  most  disastrous  seasons,  when 
nearly  all  the  bees  near  him  perished  ;  he  had  admirable 
success. 

DEYNESS. 

I  can  not  place  too  much  stress  upon  the  necessity  of 
dry  air  and  surroundings  where  bees  are  to  be  wintered. 
It  is  generally  conceded  that  Mr.  Quinby  was  the  first  to 
advocate  the  importance  of  keeping  bees  uniformly  warm. 
Could  he,  instead  of  myself,  have  been  able  to  revise  this 
work,  he  would  have  urged  the  imperative  need  of  a  dry 
atmosphere  as  well  as  a  uniform  temperature.  After  his 
discovery  that  the  bee,  Avhen  in  a  healthy  condition, 
voided  its  faeces  in  a  dry  state,  he  clearly  saw  that  to  aid  in 
carrying  off  the  moisture,  a  dry  atmosphere  as  well  as  a 
sufficient  degree  of  heat  was  indispensable.  Therefore, 
after  experimenting  with  nearly  every  method  that  has 
been  brought  to  my  notice,  I  have  come  to  practice  and 
advise  in-door  wintering  exclusively,  because  in  no  other 
way  can  these  requisites  be  so  certainly  provided.  The 
objection  that  this  involves  extra  labor  and  expense  is 
more  than  met  by  the  diminished  consumption  of  food. 
Experiments  in  weighing  colonies  monthly,  both  in-doors 
and  out,  prove  that  bees  properly  provided  for  in-doors, 
will  consume  from  one-third  to  one-half  less  honey  than 
"when  exposed  to  the  changeable  weather  of  our  northern 
winters.  This  saving  will  more  than  balance  any  consid- 
erations of  extra  expense. 

Objections  to  wintering  in  a  cellar  often  arise  from  a 
lack  of  understanding  of  some  of  the  requisites.  To 
economize  room,  the  hives  arc  often  set  as  close  to  the 
wall  as  possible,  where  they  absorb  moisture,  and  become 
mouldy  and  unhealthy.  Again,  they  are  placed  upon 
shelves  attached  to  the  supports  of  the  floor  above,  and 
are  thus  subjected  to  every  jar  from  the  room  above  them, 
with  proportionately  bad  results. 


WINTERIXG.  249 

BEST   ARRANGEMENT  OF  A   CELLAR. 

The  part  to  be  used  for  the  storage  of  the  bees  should 
be  directly  beneath  a  room  where  a  fire  is  regularly  kept. 
The  cellar  bottom  should  be  well  laid  with  hydraulic  ce- 
ment, and  the  walls  plastered  and  pointed  with  the  same. 
This  cement  prevents  moisture  from  passing  into  the 
cellar.  A  cellar  should  be  most  thoroughly  dried  when 
thus  prepared  with  cement,  before  bees  are  placed  in  it. 
I  have  known  very  serious  results  ensue  where  this  pre- 
caution was  not  observed.  It  is  sometimes  needful  to 
place  a  stove  in  the  wintering  apartment,  connecting  it 
with  the  stove-pipe  above  by  means  of  the  ventilating 
pipe,  and  keep  a  constant  fire  for  a  month,  in  order  to 
bring  it  to  a  fit  condition  for  use. 

The  room  should  be  closely  partitioned  off  with 
matched  lumber,  so  that  it  will  not  admit  the  least  ray 
of  light.  On  the  sides  next  to  the  wall  it  should  be 
ceiled  about  one  foot  from  it.  If  this  is  not  done, 
that  space,  at  least,  should  be  left  unoccupied.  The  bees 
would  do  better  in  a  solid  body  in  the  center  of  the  room 
than  close  to  the  walls.  Fresh  air  should  be  brought 
inlo  the  room  through  a  window  or  similar  opening  by 
means  of  a  tube,  or  air  conductor,  made  of  boards,  six  or 
eight  inches  square.  Let  it  extend  to  the  bottom  and 
across  the  room,  with  holes  bored  at  frequent  intervals, 
the  entire  lengtli,  to  distribute  the  air  more  evenly  to  all 
parts  of  the  room,  and  avoid  a  current  to  any  one  point, 
as  even  a  sudden  rush  of  air  is  objectioi^ble.  A  five-inch 
pipe  should  start  near  the  bottom  of  the  cellar,  pass  up 
through  the  floor,  and  enter  the  stove  pipe  above,  as  near 
the  stove  as  possible,  to  afford  an  escape  for  cold  and  im- 
pure air.  This  may  be  arranged  with  a  T  ^^^ar  the  floor 
"above,  with  an  aperture  to  be  opened  or  closed  at  pleasure 
for  the  purpose  of  drawing  off  the  warm  air  when  desired 
from  the  upper  part  of  the  cellar.     This  ventilating  pipe 


2i0  "SVINTEKINO. 

should  be  provided  with  a  tight-fitting  damper  iu  the 
room  above,  that  may  be  regulated  at  will.  The  benches, 
or  supports  upon  which  the  hives  are  to  stand,  should  be 
short  and  rest  upon  the  solid  bottom  of  the  cellar,  @ 
and  the  hives  placed  upon  them  in  tiers,  so  that 
the  tiers  will  not  touch  each  other,  or  the  sides  of 
die  room.  In  this  manner,  but  few  need  be  dis- 
turbed at  once  in  packing  away,  or  what  is  more 
important,  in  taking  out  in  spring.  If  the  bench 
is  long  enough  to  hold  several  tiers  of  hives,  there 
will  be  a  disturbance  of  all  when  any  one  is  moved. 
The  thermometer  (fig.  100)  to  test  the  temperature 
should  be  dropped  through  a  hole  in  the  floor 
above,  and  attached,  by  means  of  a  cord,  to  a  cork 
that  fills  the  hole.  The  temperature  should  be 
kept  as  nearly  at  45°  as  possible.  I  should  prefer 
that  it  never  drop  below  40°  nor  rise  above  50°. 
If  it  rises  too  high,  the  damper  in  the  pipe  above 
should  be  opened  to  permit  the  warm  air  to  be 
drawn  out,  and  the  tube  from  the  outside  also  open- 
ed, to  allow  pure  cool  air  to  take  its  place.  With 
a  temperature  of  45°,  it  is  usually  prudent  to  give  ^^'•^^^• 
both  upward  and  lower  ventilation  in  the  hives.  If  a 
quilt  is  used  over  movable  frames,  it  Avill  be  porous 
enough  to  afford  the  desired  upward  ventilation.  In  box- 
hives,  the  holes  in  the  top  should  be  loosely  filled  with 
rags,  and  the  hives  raised  slightly  upon  the  bottom  board 
to  admit  air.  In  this  regard,  my  experience  differs  with 
that  of  Hetherington  and  Elwood,  who  use  tight  caps 
over  their  frames  in  wintering. 

A   SPECIAL  BUILDING    FOP   WINTERING. 

Where  bee-keeping  is  made  a  specialty,  and  the  rery 
best  arrangements  for  wintering  are  desired,  they  may 
without  doubt  be  best  secured  by  building  a  repository 


WINTERING.  251 

for  the  purpose.  Many  recommend  a  house  built  above 
ground  with  walls  of  several  thicknesses,  well  packed, 
and  dead-air  spaces  between.  Mr.  R.  Bacon,  of  Verona, 
N.  Y.,  uses  such  a  house,  and  pronounces  it  a  success. 
The  best  one  of  the  kind  that  I  ever  saw  was  built  by 
Captain  Hetherington,  and  it  seemed  as  well  adapted  to 
the  purpose  as  could  be  wished ;  yet  Mr.  Hetherington 
has  discarded  it  as  a  failure,  and  adopted  the  system  of 
"clamps,"  which  I  am  about  to  describe. 

CLAMPS. 

Those  who  have  read  Mr.  Langstroth's  work  on  the 
Honey  Bee  have  doubtless  been  much  interested  in  an 
article  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Scholtz,  translated  from  the 
"Bienen  Zeitung,"  by  Mr.  Wagner,  Avhich  describes  a 
system  of  wintering  in  clamps.  This  method  of  Mr. 
Scholtz's  has  led  to  an  improved  clamp  or  bee-house, 
partly  underground,  which  is  proving  an  admirable  suc- 
cess. This  is  really  but  an  improved  form  of  the  old 
method  of  burying  bees.  Mr.  Hibbard,  of  Auburn,  N. 
Y.,  modified  the  Scholtz  clamp  by  erecting  a  permanent 
framework  for  the  sides,  but  with  a  temporary  roof  or 
covering.  In  1873,  P.  H.  Elwood,  of  Starkville,  N".  Y., 
prepared  a  clamp,  over  which  he  arranged  a  permanent 
roof,  and  built  a  door  for  convenience  in  entering  the 
apartment.  The  bottom  and  sides  were  covered  with 
hydraulic  cement.  Clamps  similar  to  this  are  now  used 
by  many  of  the  leading  bee-keepers  of  New  York  State, 
with  the  best  results. 

Captain  Hetherington,  after  making  some  changes, 
and  furnishing  facilities  for  artificial  heat  and  a  most 
thorough  system  of  ventilation,  has  adopted  this  system 
of  wintering  in  his  extensive  apiaries.  He  has  three  very 
fine  double  clamps,  one  of  which  is  represented  in  figure 
101.    A  clamp  of  this  form  is  built  by  first  making  an  ex- 


252 


WINTERING. 


cavation  in  a  dry  knoll,  or  side-hill,  to  the  depth  of  about 
.three  feet.  If  the  number  of  bees  only  demand  a  single 
clamp,  the  door  may  be  placed  at  the  end ;  but  if  a  double 
clamp  with  two  rooms  is  needed,  the  door  should  be  at 
the  center  of  one  side,  opening  into  the  ante-room  for  the 
stove,  between  the  two  apartments.  This  idea  of  warm- 
ing clamps  with  a  stove  is  original  with  Captain  Hether- 
ington.  A  wall  should  be  laid  in  hydraulic  cement 
around  the  sides  of  this  three-foot  excavation,  upon  which 
plates   should  be  laid  to   support   the   rafters.     These 


Fig.  101.  —DOUBLE    CLAMP. 


should  be  sufficiently  heavy  to  sustain  the  superincum- 
bent weight.  The  roof  should  be  quite  steep.  Slats 
about  three  inches  wide  are  nailed  over  the  entire  sur- 
face of  the  rafters,  about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  apart. 
Over  these  straw  is  spread  to  keep  the  earth  from  fallihg 
through  before  it  becomes  packed.  The  ends  should  be 
walled  or  banked  to  the  peak  of  the  roof,  and  the  entire 
top  covered  witb  at  least  twelve  inches  of  dry  earth.  A 
good  roof  should  be  put  over  all  to  keep  it  perfectly  dry. 
In  the  thick  side  wall,  double  doors  should  be  built, 
containing  an  air  space.  Similar  doors  should  be  made 
to  the  rooms  inside.  The  stove  is. to  be. set  up  in  the 
small  ante-room,  and  fresh  air  brought  to  it  through 
tubes,  and  warmed  when  noedfjil.  Openings  from  ihe 
etove-room  to  the  bee-rooms  should  be  made  at  the  top 


WINTERING.  253 

and  bottom  of  the  partitions.  Ventilating  pipes  must  be 
arranged  at  the  top  of  each  bee-room.  As  the  air  is 
warmed  by  the  stove,  and  passes  to  the  room  occupied  by 
the  bees,  through  the  upper  openings,  a  strong  current  of 
colder  air  will  be  created  from  the  lower  part  of  the  room, 
in  the  direction  of  the  stove.  Capt.  Hetherington  beds 
his  stove  in  a  brick  arch,  in  such  a  manner  that  an  open- 
ino-  is  left  under  the  stove.  This  opening  connects  with 
the  lower  opening  into  the  bee-rooms  on  each  side,  and 
also  with  the  bottom  of  the  chimney.  The  stove-pipe 
enters  the  chimney,  and  passes  up  inside,  nearly  to  the 
top.  When  a  fire  is  made,  the  air  warmed  in  the  chim- 
ney by  this  pipe,  increases  the  draft,  and  the  air  warmed 
under  the  stove  is  also  drawn  up  the  chimney,  and  is  re- 
placed by  the  colder  air  from  the  bee-rooms.  The  fresh 
air  brought  to  the  top  of  the  stove  from  without,  will, 
when  warmed,  pass  through  the  upper  openings,  and  re- 
place the  impure  air  drawn  out  at  the  bottom.  The  ven- 
tilating pipes,  as  well  as  the  chimney,  should  be  provided 
with  hoods  at  the  top,  in  order  to  secure  a  perfect  draft. 
The  perfection  of  this  plan  of  ventilation  will  at  once  be 
appreciated. 

WHEN  TO  PLACE  BEES  IN  WINTER  QUARTERS. 

It  is  frequently  advised  to  leave  bees  on  their  summer 
stands  as  late  as  possible,  that  they  may  improve  the  very 
last  opportunity  for  a  flight  before  being  put  away  for 
winter.  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  this  practice  is  inju- 
dicious, although  it  doubtless  has  some  advantages.  Few 
who  have  not  been  close  observers,  can  realize  tlie  number 
of  bees  wasted  by  venturing  from  the  hive  during  cold, 
fall  weather.  Besides  avoiding  this  loss,  if  we  put  them 
in  winter  quarters  early,  they  go  in  with  the  hives  dry 
and  free  from  frost.  The  most  suitable  period  will  vary 
in  different  sections.  It  frequently  occurs  in  our  north- 
ern latitudes,  that  they  are  not  put  in  until  the  first  fall 


25i  WIlfTERING. 

of  snow.     This  is  taken  as  evidence  of  the  approach  of 

winter,  and  the  bees  are  at  once  put  away,  with  the  hives 
damp  and  in  bad  condition.  Here  let  me  mention  an 
item  in  favor  of  the  Qiiiiiby  hive.  The  frames  only  being 
removed  to  the  cellar  or  bee-room,  upon  a  separate  bottom- 
board,  are  jjerfectly  dry,  even  iu  a  stormy  time.  There- 
fore I  deem  it  wise  to  jjut  bees  into  their  winter  quarters 
miich  earlier  than  is  customary  with  many  apiarians. 
After  a  warm,  dry  day,  when  all  have  had  an  opportunity 
to  fly,  is  the  most  suitable  tim3.  In  our  locality  the  date 
varies  from  November  the  1st  to  the  loth,  according  to 
the  severity  of  the  weather. 

FLIGHT   DURING    WINTER. 

Many  apiarians  have  the  idea  that  it  is  very  beneficial 
to  bees  to  allow  them  to  fiy  out,  at  intervals  during  the 
winter,  many  recommending  it  tj  be  done  as  often  as  the 
weather  will  permit.  Bees  may  be  wintered  in  such  a 
damp  and  unsuitable  place  that  this  may  be  absolutely 
necessary,  but  it  is  hardly  worth  while  for  me  to  say  to 
any  one  who  has  followed  me  thus  far,  that  I  consider  it 
not  only  unnecessary,  but  injuriouo,  when  proper  pro- 
vision has  been  made  for  their  well-being  within.  If  bees 
are  found  to  leave  their  hives  and  fall  upon  the  cellar 
bottom,  they  should  be  brushed  up  and  carried  out,  as 
they  will  give  the  room  a  disagreeable  odor,  and  render  it 
unhealthful. 

SETTING    OUT   BEES   TOO    EARLY   IN   SPRING. 

We  are  frequently  told  to  remove  our  bees  from  winter 
quarters  on  the  first  warm  days  in  spring  ;  even  as  early 
as  March  1st.  I  am  constrained  tj  say  that,  a^  a  rule,  I 
consider  this  a  serious  mistake.  Th3  reason  given  for  so 
doing  is,  that  the  bees  are  leaving  their  hives  and  wasting 
upon  the  floor  in  such  numbers,  that  if  not  eoon  set  out 


WINTERING.  255 

and  allowed  a  purifying  flight,  they  will  all  be  lost.  One 
bushel  of  bees  upon  a  cellar  floor,  where  100  hives  are 
stored,  seems  an  alarming  waste  :  yet  when  they  are 
placed  upon  their  summer  stands  so  early  as  to  be  exposed 
to  chilly  weather  and  piercing  winds,  three  or  four  times 
that  quantity  may  be  lost,  but  being  scattered  broadcast 
about  the  grounds,  or  to  whatever  distance  they  may  ven- 
ture for  water  or  pollen,  they  are  unnoticed,  and  the  loss 
is  not  appreciated.  This  extreme  should  be  carefully 
avoided.  It  is  a  good  rule  to  leave  them  as  long  as 
they  will  remain  quiet.  In  my  own  practice  I  prefer  not 
to  set  them  out  until  just  as  the  Soft  or  Red  Maple 
begins  to  blossom. 

HEALTHY  EXCREMENT  IS  ALWAYS  DRY. 

Every  observing  bee-keeper  has  noticed  in  winter, 
upon  the  bottom-board,  directly  under  a  healthy  swarm, 
ridges  of  dust  which  has  fallen  from  between  the  combs. 

Mr.  Quinby  made  many  experiments  with  this  dust, 
having  it  carefully  analyzed,  and  became  convinced,  be- 
yond doubt,  that  it  contained  the  excrement  of  the  bee, 
voided  in  a  dry  state. 

The  correctness  of  this  conclusion  can  be  tested,  by 
placing  a  small  quantity  of  this  dust  in  a  little  water, 
and  heating  it  sufficiently  to  melt  the  wax,  coming  from 
the  uncapping  of  the  combs,  mingled  -with  it;  the  residue 
then  will  be  found  to  be  precisely  the  same  substance 
as  the  liquid  excrement  of  the  bee,  when  it  has  been  con- 
fined to  damp  and  unwholesome  quarters.  This  discovery 
Mr.  Quinby  conceived  to  have  an  important  bearing  upon 
successful  wintering,  as  heretofore  mentioned,  and  to 
indicate  the  necessity  of  furnishing  dry  and  warm  sur- 
roundings to  promote  healthful  conditions. 

Careful  observations,  by  others,  as  well  a?  myself,  con- 
firm the  truth  and  impor!:an33  of  his  conclusion.      An 


256  HOKEY. 

instance  which  afforded  me  very  satisfactory  proof  of  his 
correctness,  was  on  an  occasion,  when  I  set  my  bees  from 
the  cellar  on  the  3d  and  4th  days  of  May,  after  they  had 
been  housed  since  November  17th,  in  a  dry  and  well- ven- 
tilated room,  and  kept  exceedingly  quiet,  during  the 
entire  period.  When  set  upon  their  summer  stands,  the 
bees  were  in  so  nearly  a  dormant  condition,  that  they 
were  slowly  aroused  ;  the  weather  being  quite  Avarm,  the 
usual  voiding  of  faeces  in  a  liquid  state  did  not  take 
place,  and  clean,  new  roofs  were  not  soiled  in  the  least. 


CHAPTER      XVIII. 

HONEY. 

The  careful  Bible  reader  cannot  fail  to  be  impressed 
with  the  prominence  of  honey  as  an  article  of  food  in  all 
early  times.  Indeed,  it  seems  to  have  been  an  element  in 
sacred  rites,  and  to  have  been  held  in  especial  esteem 
through  all  the  primitive  ages.  It  would  appear  that 
in  the  estimation  of  moderns,  honey  and  its  uses  have 
lost  much  of  their  ancient  reputation.  At  the  present 
day,  honey  is  generally  considered  as  merely  a  luxury, 
without  any  special,  nutritive,  or  medicinal  value. 

USES   AS  FOOD   AND   MEDICIIfE. 

There  is  a  growing  interest,  however,  in  these  particu- 
lars, and  I  anticipate  a  period  not  far  distant,  when  its 
value  will  be  more  fully  recognized.  In  his  little  pam- 
phlet on  ''Honey  as  Food  and  Medicine,"  Thos.  G. 
Newman  gives  us  much  information  on  this  topic. 

Honey  is  not  only  desirable  when  combined  with  our 
food,  but  is  regarded  by  many  as  useful  in  some  forms  of 


HONEY.  '^O, 

disease.  In  coughs,  or  affections  of  the  lungs,  honey 
has  long  been  used,  either  in  its  pure  state,  or  when  com- 
bined with  other  remedies.  It  is  also  efficacious  in  the 
treatment  of  burns.  Let  the  injured  part  be  com- 
pletely moistened  with  liquid  honey,  and  immediately 
covered  with  plenty  of  dry  flour.  This  effectually  ex- 
cludes the  air,  and  materially  aids  in  the  cure.  I  con- 
sider this  a  remedy  worthy  of  attention  in  every  household. 

ADULTERATION    OF   STRUIS. 

The  use  of  honey  on  our  tables  has  largely  decreased 
since  the  cheap  production  of  sugars.  The  day  has  come, 
however,  when  the  alarming  adulteration  of  sugar  and 
syrups,  especially  the  latter,  will  arouse  consumers  to  the 
necessity  of  procuring  a  more  wholesome  sweet.  These 
frauds  are  becoming  truly  fearful,  inasmuch  as  we  are  in- 
jured, not  only  pecuniarily,  but  in  what  is  far  more  im- 
portant to  us,  health.  The  State  Board  of  Health 
in  Michigan,  conceiving  the  evil  to  be  beyond  farther 
toleration,  has  been  actively  engaged  in  determining  the 
exact  character  of  these  vile  productions.  Dr.  Kedzie, 
of  the  Michigan  Agricultural  College,  has  analyzed  syrups 
purchased  of  reliable  grocers,  and  fifteen  out  of  seventeen 
samples  showed  the  presence  of  lime,  copperas,  and  free 
sulphuric  acid,  to  an  alarming  degree.  According  to  a 
statement  in  a  respectable  paper,  he  found  in  some  of  them 
140  grains  of  sulphuric  acid,  30  of  copperas,  and  724  of 
lime,  to  the  gallon.  In  the  existence  of  such  a  state  of 
things,  it  must  be  that  an  increased  demand  will  arise  for 
pure  and  reliable  honey. 

DIFFERENT   QUALITIES    OF   HONEY. 

The  quality  of  honey  depends  materially  upon  the 
class  of  blossoms  from  which  it  is  gathered.  In  our 
Northern  latitudes,  probably  no  finer  flavored  honey  is  to 


258  HONEY. 

be  found  than  that  gathered  from  Bass  wood,  White  Clo- 
ver, and  Easpberry,  The  color  is  light,  and  the  flavor  de- 
licious. Buckwheat  honey  is  considered  the  most  inferior 
grade,  being  darker  in  color,  and  less  agreeable  in  flavor. 
Between  these  are  various  grades,  that  from  the  Melilot 
or  sweet  clover  being  with  us  the  most  marked,  and  bet- 
ter in  quality  than  the  color  would  indicate.  The  honey 
from  the  White  Sage  of  California  is  beautiful  in  color, 
but  the  flavor  is  inferior  to  that  from  Basswood.  The 
idea  entertained  by  some  that  honey  can  be  manufactured 
from  sugar  by  some  mysterious  process  of  the  bees  is  to- 
tally erroneous.  We  need  not  occupy  space  in  commend- 
ing fine  box-honey.  Those  who  can  indulge  in  it  will 
appreciate  the  luxury.  Yet  it  needs  to  be  borne  in  mind 
by  consumers  that  the  quality  of  the  honey  is  no  better 
for  being  stored  in  dainty  combs. 

EXTRACTED   HONEY. 

Nothing  in  the  progress  of  bee-keeping  is  more  striking 
than  the  processes  for  securing  honey  free  from  comb. 
Compare  the  old-time  "  strained  honey,"  flavored  with 
bitter  pollen,  dead  bees,  and  other  dubious  elements, 
with  the  pure,  mint-flavored,  snowy  crystals  of  extracted 
honey  which,  next  to  a  translucent  comb  filled  with  the 
nectar  of  a  thousand  blossoms,  is  the  pride  of  the  bee- 
keeper. It  is  beyond  question  that  if,  in  the  future,  this 
sweet  is  included  among  the  necessities  or  ordinary  lux- 
uries of  the  masses,  it  will  be  in  the  form  of  extracted 
honey.  And  that  it  is  both  cheap  and  desirable  indicates 
that  it  will  at  no  distant  day  take  the  place  of  deleterious 
syrups.  Experiment  in  its  adaptation  to  various  culinary 
purposes  will  show  its  availability  in  many  directions 
hitherto  unthought  of.  If  in  a  cask  or  can  of  honey  that 
is  candied  hard,  a  hole  is  made  in  the  center  several  inches 
deep,  and  a  quantity  removed,  the  liquid  part  of  that  at 


HOXET.  259 

the  sides  will  Jrain  into  this  cavity,  when  it  may  be 
dipped  out,  leaving  the  crystals  nearly  or  quite  dry,  the 
condition  depending  upon  the  temperature.  This  grained 
honey  may  then  be  used  in  many  ways,  instead  of  sugar. 
It  may  also  be  drained  by  placing  it  upon  a  sieve. 

ADULTERATION    OF   HOXEY. 

The  extent  to  which  fraud  has  been  carried  in  respect 
to  honey,  demands  the  attention  of  all  honest  bee-keepers. 
When  honey  was  retailing  for  from  25  to  50  cents  jaer  lb., 
there  was  a  temptation  to  adulterate  it  with  cane  sugar, 
which  was  harmless  in  a  sanitary  point  of  view  ;  but  the 
reduction  in  the  price  of  honey  renders  this  form  of  fraud 
unprofitable.  The  evil  which  we  are  now  called  upon  to 
combat,  is  the  use  of  grape  sugar  and  glucose.*  It  is 
gratifying  to-  notice  how  promptly  the  effort  to  introduce 
the  practice  of  feeding  grape  sugar  to  bees,  has  been  met 
by  Mr.  Dadaut,  Dr.  Shearer,  and  others.  I  observe  with 
pride,  the  firm  stand  taken  by  the  *'  American  Bee  Jour- 
nal "  against  this  threatening  evil.  It  is  possible  to  feed 
grape  sugar  to  bees  for  their  own  use,  and  yet  keep  our 
surplus  honey  uncontaminated  ;  but  in  this,  as  in  the  use 
of  comb-foundation  for  boxes,  I  am  disposed  to  take  radi- 
cal ground  and  protest  against  anything  that  gives  a  color 
of  suspicion  to  our  products.  In  order  that  consumers, 
and  dealers  as  well,  may  be  able  to  detect  adulteration,  a 
few  facts  concerning  it  may  not  be  out  of  place.  Let  me 
say,  first,  that  honorable  dealers  have  it  in  their  power  to 
seek  out  perfectly  reliable  producers,  and  establish  a  lucra- 
tive trade  on  the  basis  of  unadulteraljed  products.  The 
first  fact  to  be  understood  is,  that  all  granulated  or 
candied  honey  is  presumably  pure.     The  natural  infer- 

*  While  grrape  suear  and  glucose  are  chemically  the  same,  the  articles  bearing 
thPS3  names  in  c  mmerce  are  quite  nnlike.  Commercial  glncose.  produced  from 
starch  by  the  action  of  acids,  is  a  thick  eemi-liquid,  very  inferior  in  sweetness. 


260  HONEY. 

ence  is,  that  such  is  the  best  to  buy.  If  liquid  honey  is 
preferred,  follow  directions  in  Chap.  XVI.,  and  prepare 
it  yourselves. 

It  is  also  well  established  that  all  pure  honey  will,  as  a 
general  rule,  granulate,  if  exposed  to  a  suflBciently  low 
temperature.  To  this  rule  exceptions  have  been  rei:)orted, 
and  such  have  occurred  under  my  own  observations,  as 
will  soon  be  noticed.  Thus,  ordinary  honey  remaining 
iiquid  in  cold  weather,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  should 
be  regarded  as  suspicious,  and  put  to  a  test.  The  pres- 
ence of  glucose  in  such  honey  may  be  ascertained  as  fol- 
lows :  Place  a  small  quantity  in  a  cup,  and  add  to  it 
some  strong  tea.  If  the  poorer  grades  of  glucose  are 
present,  it  will  turn  dark,  like  ink.  If  it  is  combined 
with  the  better  qualities  of  glucose,  the  fact  may  be  de- 
termined by  the  use  of  a  little  alcohol.  Pure  honey  will 
unite  with  alcohol,  but  glucose  has  no  affinity  for  it,  and 
they  will  separate,  like  oil  and  water.  A  common  method 
of  adulteration  has  been  practised  by  placing  a  piece  of 
fine  comb-honey  in  a  jelly  cup  and  filling  it  up  with  glu- 
cose. If  this  were  ]nire  honey  it  would  become  candied 
and  conceal  the  comb.  Yet  these  are  found  unclianged 
upon  our  grocers'  shelves  the  year  round.  If  honey  is  put 
in  a  can,  and  heated  and  sealed,  the  tame  as  fruit  is 
canned,  it  will  remain  liquid  until  opened.  The  speci- 
mens of  comb  mentioned  above  could  not  have  been  thus 
treated,  as  the  process  would  have  melted  the  comb. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  simple  addition  of  water 
would  prevent  granulation,  but  this  is  not  true.  The 
usual  effect  is,  when  in  a  cool  place,  for  the  honey  to 
be  thick  and  candied  at  the  bottom,  and  thin  at  the  top ; 
avid  if  in  a  warm  place,  it  will  be  likely  to  sour.  Experi- 
ments indicate  that  the  presence  of  moisture  is  necessary 
to  produce  granulation.  I  have  thoroughly  evaporated 
the  moisture,  and  at  tlie  same  time,  expelled  the  air  from 
a  vessel  of  honey,  so  that  it  would  stand  open  in  a  cold. 


KOTES    FOR   THE   SEASONS.  261 

dry  place,  during  the  entire  winter,  without  change.  But 
the  honey  was  so  dense  after  this  complete  evaporation, 
as  hardly  to  run  when  the  can  was  inclined  to  one  side  ; 
being  very  different  in  this  respect  from  the  liquid  honey 
offered  for  sale  in  cold  weather.  I  have  known  honey 
thus  treated,  to  remain  uncandied  in  a  large  vessel  even 
when  frequently  disturbed,  which  corroborates  my  view 
of  the  influence  of  moisture.  These  instances  being  sub- 
ject to  special  treatment,  can  hardly  controvert  the  state- 
ment as  to  the  doubtful  nature  of  honey  that  remains  un- 
candied when  exposed  to  cold. 

The  obvious  course  for  bee-keepers,  in  the  matter  of 
adulterations,  is,  first  of  all,  to  secure  legislation  that  will 
effectually  prohibit  this  unprincipled  traffic.  Stringent 
laws  of  this  character  are  successfully  carried  out  in 
foreign  countries.  Bee-keepers  may,  individually,  place 
their  products  above  question,  by  fair  and  open  dealing, 
and  avoiding  any  practices  that  may  arouse  even  the 
slightest  suspicion.  Consumers  and  dealers  have  it  in 
their  power  to  protect  themselves  by  observing  the  facts 
and  tests  mentioned,  and  last  of  all,  almost  any  one  dis- 
posed, can  supply  his  own  household  and  table  with  this 
desirable  sweet,  by  following  Mr.  Qainby's  oft-repeated 
advice  to  appropriate  the  ''honey  wasting  at  their  own 
doors,  which  may  be  had,  not  for  the  asking,  but  for  the 
taking. " 


CHAPTER    XrX. 

NOTES    FOR    THE    SEASONS. 

SPRING. 

Bees  should  not  be  allowed  to  fly  during  March  and 
early  April  in  our  northern  latitude,  if  it  can  be  pre- 
vented.     Those    in-doors   should    be   left  as   quiet  as 


26*3  NOTES   FOK   THE  SEASONS. 

possible.  It  is  usually  safe  to  set  them  out  just  before 
Soft  or  Red  Maple  blooms.  At  this  time  there  will  prob- 
ably be  but  little  brood  in  the  hives,  but  after  the  first 
flight,  the  queen  will  commence  depositing  eggs.  Each 
hive  should  now  be  examined  to  ascertain  its  exact  con- 
dition. In  making  tliese  examinations  it  will  be  conveni- 
ent to  begin  with  a  clean,  empty  hive.  Remove  the  hive 
from  its  stand  and  put  the  empty  one  in  its  place.  Take 
out  the  combs  and  put  them  into  the  empty  hive.  Eggs 
in  the  cells  will  attest  to  the  presence  of  a  queen.  Set 
aside  such  combs  as  are  not  occupied  by  the  bees,  leaving 
those  that  contain  honey.  After  cleaning  this  hive  thor- 
oughly, use  it  for  the  next  one  in  the  same  manner  until 
all  have  been  inspected.  If  any  are  found  destitute  of 
sealed  honey,  supply  them  from  such  as  have  a  surplus, 
or  with  combs  reserved  for  the  purpose. 

If  colonies  are  found  to  be  queenless,  or  possessing  de- 
ficient queens,  unite  them  with  others  having  queens.  It 
will  often  be  Judicious  to  unite  weak  colonies. 

Keep  entrances  contracted,  to  prevent  robbing, 
and  shut  off  all  upward  ventilation,  to  retain  the 
warmth. 

Stimulate  breeding,  and  see  that  no  stock  is  destitute 
of  food  at  any  time.  Add  empty  combs  as  rapidly  as  the 
stocks  become  populous  enough  to  demand  it.  This  is 
the  time  to  purchase  bees,  and  transfer  them  from  box- 
hives  to  movable  comb-hives. 

Cards  of  brood  may  often  be  taken  from  the  best  stocks 
and  used  to  strengthen  weaker  ones  to  advantage.  Fill 
the  place  of  such  cards  with  clean,  empty  combs.  It  is 
often  best  to  place  these  in  the  center  of  the  strong 
swarms,  in  such  a  position  in  the  brood-nest  that  the 
queen  will  immediately  occupy  them.  It  is  under  such 
favorable  circumstances  as  these  that  the  largest  number 
of  eggs  is  deposited  in  a  single  day. 

In  some  sections  the  best  colonies  will  sometimes  send 


NOTES   FOR   THE   SEASONS.  263 

out  s-warms  in  May,  for  which  hives  should  be  in  readi- 
ness.    Queen-rearing  may  be  begun,  if  desired. 

Look  well  to  any  scarcity  of  honey  that  may  occur,  and 
supply  all  deficiencies  by  feeding. 

SUMMEE. 

Arrange  hires  for  boxing  and  extracting. 

Have  everything  in  readiness  for  swarms,  if  this  sys- 
tem is  to  be  practised. 

Bear  queens,  and  make  artificial  swarms. 

Ventilate  strong  swarms  in  the  warmest  weather. 

Remove  surplus  boxes  as  soon  as  full,  and  supply  the 
place  of  the  first  ones  with  empty  boxes. 

Look  out  for  the  moth-larv*,  in  surplus  honey,  and 
extra  combs. 

Extract  at  suitable  intervals. 

If  preparations  are  to  be  made  for  wintering  bees  in- 
doors, the  work  should  be  done  in  warm  weather,  that  all 
damp  material  may  be  well  dried  before  the  room  is  oc- 
cupied by  the  bees.  Do  not  neglect  refuse  comb  designed 
for  wax. 

AUTUMN. 

Prepare  bees  for  winter,  and  see  that  all  stocks  are  in 
condition  to  rear  young  bees  for  winter. 

Supply  all  deficiencies  in  queens. 

Secure  the  fall  yield  of  honey  in  combs  for  future  use, 
or  have  new  combs  built  for  guides  in  boxes. 

Prepare  honey  for  market.  The  development  of  a 
home  trade  should  be  borne  in  mind  at  all  times.  A 
good  local  market  is  an  important  item  with  all  produc- 
ers. Reseiwe  a  sufficient  amount  of  honey,  when  shiji- 
ping,  to  meet  such  demands. 

Place  bees  in  -winter  quarters  early,  and  observe  the  in- 
structions given  for  wintering. 


"^64:  CONCLUSION. 

WINTER. 

li  all  requirements  have  been  observed,  bees  will  now 
need  but  little  care. 

Attend  to  proper  ventilation  and  temperature,  as 
required  by  changes  of  the  w^eather. 

Prepare  hives,  boxes,  and  other  material  for  the  com- 
ing season. 

Clean  up  and  pack  away  boxes  that  are  to  be  used 
the  second  time. 

Read  and  study  out  subjects  of  interest ;  and  be  ready 
to  begin  the  ensuing  season's  work  promptly,  with  an  ade- 
quate comprehension  of  the  extent  of  the  business  to  be 
conducted,  and  a  just  appreciation  of  the  details  therein 
involved. 


CHAPTER     XX. 

CONCLUSION. 

Those  who  have  perused  these  pages  with  care  will  no- 
tice that  I  have  not  dwelt  largely  upon  the  most  favorable 
aspects  of  our  pursuit,  but  have  endeavored  to  present 
all  its  phases  in  a  candid  and  unbiased  manner.  Un- 
doubtedly the  cause  of  many  failures  lies  in  the  unwar- 
ranted anticipations  of  beginners.  The  extremes  which 
are  incident  to  the  business  make  it  impossible  to  test  it 
fairly,  with  the  experience  of  but  one  or  two  years.  The 
united  results  of  a  series  of  years  must  be  averaged  in  or- 
der to  arrive  at  a  proper  estimate  of  profits.  This  being 
done,  I  conceive  that  it  offers  a  fair  j)rospect  of  reason- 
able remuneration  for  labor  and  capital  invested,  and  is  a 
calling  which  develops  a  healthy  consciousness  of  "earn- 
ing one's  bread  by  the  sweat  of  the  brow. " 

Although  the  amateur  may  not  be  able  to  keep  bees  on 


CONCLUSION. 


265 


a  small  scale  as  profitably  as  tlie  specialist  with  all  con- 
veniences at^  his  command,  yet  there  is  ample  argument 
in  favor  of  small  ventures  in  this  direction.  The  gain  is 
not  altogether  pecuniary,  or  in  the  gratification  of  the 
palate.  To  those  engaged  in  sedentary  pursuits,  a  chance 
for  healthful  exercise  and  diversion  is  often  more  than 
these.  Beyond  all  these  there  is  yet  a  higher  good.  All 
intimacy  with  the  operations  of  nature  has  a  silent  but 
beneficent  influence.  Whatever  tends  to  develop  our 
perceptions  of  the  wonders  of  creation,  even  as  manifest 
in  the  mission  of  a  tiny  bee,  can  but  cause  us  to  "  look 
beyond  these  results  to  their  Divine  Author." 


INDEX. 


Acer  rubrnm 49 

Acer  saccharinum 50 

Adulteration  of  Honey 258 

"  Syrups 256 

After  Swarms 162 

Alders 49 

Alighting  Board 113 

Allen,  John 22 

"American  Bee  Journal" 21 

'•  Aniitomy  and  Physiology  of  the 

Honey  Bee  " 22 

Ants  and  Bees 231 

Apiarian,  Preparation  Needed 66 

Apiary,  Arrangement  of 70 

"      Building  in 70 

"      Cost  of  Bees 81 

"  •'      Fixtures 82 

"      Financial  Results 84 

''       Gravel  in 73 

"      Home 77 

"      Location  of 67 

"      Moving  in 76 

"      Overstocking 85 

"      Sawdust  in 73 

Shade  in    76 

'■      Shelter  Needed 68 

"      Water  Near 68 

Apple  Blossoms 50 

Artificial  Comb 193 

Asclepias  Cornuli 53 

Asilus  Missouriensis 229 

Autumn,  Work  for 152 

Balra  of  Gilead  29 

Balsam  Poplar 29 

Bass  wood 55 

"        YieldofHoney 56 

Bee-bread 28 

Bae-houses 77 

"Bee  Journal"  30 

"  Bee-Keeper's  Directory  " 19 

"  Bee-Keeper's  Guide." 21 

"Bee-Keeper's  Magazine." 21 

Bec-keepiug  in  Cities  and  Villages..  69 

"  Journals 20 

Old  and  New 17 

Bee  killer 229 

(266) 


Bee-moth  177-223 

Bee-veil 92 

Bees,  Artificial  Increase 165 

"     Carniolans 48 

"     Colony,  Numbers 26 

"     Controlled  by  Smoke 89 

*'      Controlling 87 

"     Controlling  Swarming 168 

"     Cost  of 81 

"     Cyprians 47 

'■     Diseases  and  Enemies  of. 216 

"     Disposition     87 

"     Do  they  Injure  Fruit? 63 

"     Drone 2l> 

"     Drone-laying  Queen 149 

"      Dividing  Colonies 166 

"     Eggs  and  Hatching 32 

"     Enemies 216 

"     Excrement  of 254 

"     Feeding 204 

"     Fertilizing  Queen 131 

' '     Financial  Results  from 84 

'■     Flying  in  Winter 253 

"     FoulBroodin 217 

"     Generation  in 35 

'•     Hiving  Swarms 158 

"     How  far  will  they  go  ?  65 

"     How  to  Select 80 

"     Houses  for 77 

"     in  Warm  Climates 27 

"     Italian 39 

"     Italian,  Characters  of 40 

"  Italian,    Excellencies  Claim- 
ed  41 

"  Italians    and   Natives    Com- 
pared   47 

"  Italians,  how  to  procure —    47 

"     Injured  by  Silk-weed 53 

"     Ligurian 39 

"     Marking  Location 73 

"     Moving  for  Pasturage 65 

"     Moving  Short  Distances 74 

'•     Natural  Increase 152 

"  Nucleus  System  for  Queens.  137 

"      Overstocking 85 

'•     Parasites  of 217-219 


INDEX. 


167 


Bees,  Persons  Oflfensive  to 88 

"     Preparing    for    Transporta- 
tion  83 

"     Preparing  for  Winter 241 

' '     Prevent!  ng  Drones 130 

"     Protection  from 93 

"     Queen 23 

"     Queens,  Rearing 132 

"     Queens,  Selecting Ii9 

"     Quiet  in  Winter  Essential... 244 

"     Robbing 212 

*      Setting  Out  in  Spring 25:5 

"     TheStingof 25 

"     Swarming  of 31-152 

"     Syrians 47 

"     Taking  oil  SImres 84 

"     Transferring 125 

"     Transportation  of,  Beneficial.  80 

"     Transporting 82 

"     When  to  Purchase 79 

"     WhentoTakein 250 

"     Where  to  Buy... 97 

"     Wintering 241 

"     Wintering  in  Cellar 248 

"     Wintering  in  Clamps 250 

"     Wintering,    Dryness    Essen- 
tial  247 

"     Wintering  In-doors 24G 

"     Wintering  in  Quinby  Hive. .  .243 

"     Wintering,  Heat  in 246 

"■     Wintering  Out-of-doors 244 

"     Wintering,  Building  for 249 

"     Worker 24 

Birds 230 

Block  for  Setting  Tp  Boxes 118 

Borage 52 

Bodies  for  Honey  241 

Bottom  Board,  Large 110 

"  "       Small 107 

Box  for  Queen  Cell 141 

Box-lioney,  Care  of ...  175 

Boxes,  Block  for  Setting  Up 118 

"      Clamp  for I03 

"       Honey  ...,115 

''       Putting  on 172 

"      Removing 175 

"      Section        120 

"      Single  Comb 120 

"      Standard  for 119 

"      Supplying 173 

"      Two-comb 117 

Boxing  and  Surplus  Honey 172 

Bread,  Bee 28 


Brood  nest.  Form  of 80 

Brood-rearing 30 

Buckwheat GO 

Buildings  for  Wintering 249 

Bush  Honeysuckle 53 

Button  Bush 59 

Candied  Honey 239 

Cases,  Making 237 

"      Marking 233 

Cat-bird,  Useful 231 

Catnip 52 

Cellar  for  Wintering  Bees 218 

Cells,  Distorted 197 

"      How  Filled 29 

"      Size  of 193 

Cephalanthus  occidentalis 59 

Chrysalis 33 

Chrysanthemum  Leucanthemum. . .  52 

Cider-mills  Attract  Bees 64 

Clamp  for  Boxes 123 

"        "    Wintering 249 

Clasp  for  Hive,  Quinby's Ill 

' '     Van  Deusen's 184 

Clipping  Queen's  Wings 147 

Clover,  Alsike 51 

Red 51 

"       Sweet-scented 60 

"       White 50 

Cocoon 32 

Comb,  Artificial 193 

"      and  Wax 190 

"      Construction  of 27 

"      Cost  of , 193 

"      Foundation 195 

"  "         Wire  in....  ....196 

"      HowBuilt  191 

"      in  Unnatural  Position 72 

"      Material  for 194 

"       Size  of  Cells 192 

Combs,  Filling  for  Feeding 209 

Guide 122 

"       Metallic 194 

"        Securing  Extra 189 

Guide 189 

"        Straiijht 16,9 

Coe's  House  Apiary 77 

Colony  Consists  of 23 

Controlling  Bees 87 

Cook,  Prof.  A.  J.,  Book 22 

Cook.  Prof,  on  Impregnation 37 

Cost  of  Bees  and  Fixtures 81 

Cotton 61 

Daisy,  Ox-eye 53 


268 


lJ>fD£X. 


Dandelion 59 

Diorvilla  triflda r;3 

Dipsacus  FuUonum 57 

'■         sylvestris 57 

Diseases,  Dysentery 216 

"         Foul  Brood 217 

"        of  Bees 21G 

Distance  Bees  Fly 64 

Distorted  Cells 197 

Dividing  Colonies 166 

Division  Board 101 

Dress  for  Bee-keeper 92 

"       "  Women 93 

Doolittle,  G.  M.,  on  Teasel 57 

Drone  Cells 33 

Drone,  Described 26 

Dronc-hiying  Queens 149 

Drones  Destroyed  35 

"      Preventing 130 

Dryness  in  Winter 247 

Dysentery 216 

Dzierzon  on  Generation  35 

E^'g-laying.  Process  of 31 

E-gs,  Hatcliiiig 32 

'•      Impregnation  of 36 

"      Size  of ..  31 

Evaporator  for  Honey 188 

Excrement,  Healtliy  Always  Dry  . .  .254 

Extracted  Honey 257 

"  "     Ctn-ing 187 

Extracting,  Arranging  Hives  for. ..  183 

'•  Honey 180 

"  How 185 

"  When 183 

Extractor,  Desirable  Features 182 

"  Wax 202 

Feeder,  Van  Deusen's 207 

"       With  Quinby  Hive. . .   206 

Feuding  in  Comljs 209 

"       Necessity  for  204 

"       Preparing  Food 206 

"       Spring ,210 

"        Surplus  210 

"        What  ? 205 

Fertile  Workers .38 

Food,  Preparing 206 

Food  Should  be  Warm 211 

Foul  Brood 217 

"       "     Due  to  Fungus 218 

"       "     Remedy... 218 

Foundation  Comb 195 

"  In  Boxes 200 

"  Machine 198 


Foundation  Machine,  Cost  of 201 

To  Fasten 200 

'•  Use  and  Value  of 199 

Frames,  Form  for  Making. 106 

Hanging 100 

"         Section .116 

FinitTree  Blossoms 48 

Fnller's  Teasel 57 

Generation 35 

Girdwoyn,  Michel  22 

Gleanings  in  Bee  Culture 21 

Golden  Rods 00 

Grading  Honey 236 

Grain,  Do  Bees  Injure  ? 62 

Guide  Combs... 122 

"  "     Securing 189 

Ilanging-Framo  Hive 90 

Harbison,  J  S 19 

Heat  Needed  in  Winter  246 

Hetherington,  Capt.  J.  E.,  Memori- 
al of  M.  Quinby 13 

Hives,  Accuracy  is  Essential 115 

"        Alighting  Board  for 113 

"        Arrange  for  Extracting 183 

•'       Arrangement  in  Apiary 71 

Case  for 108 

"       Clamp  for  Boxes 123 

"       Clasp  for Ill 

"        Complete  Quinby ..109 

"        Distance  Between 72 

"        Guide  Combs 122 

"       Hanging  Frame 96-100 

"        Honey  Board 118 

"        Honey  Boxes 115 

"        Iron  Uoof 76 

"        Langstroth's 97 

"        Movable  Comb 95 

*'        Non-Swarming 168 

"        Observatory 102 

Painting 114 

"        Quinby,  Bottom-Boards  107-110 

"        Quinby,  Panel  for 107 

"        Quinby,  The  New  .   103 

"        Qniiiby,  With  Roof 112 

"        Roofs  for 76-113 

"        Setting  Level 72 

"       Section  Frames  Olyected  to. 116 

'•        Separators 122 

"        Side-Boxing lOl 

"        Standing  Frame .     105 

'■        Stand-  for 73-112 

"        Upon  Roofs  70 

Hiving  a  Swarm 158 


INDEX. 


269 


Honey,  Adulteration  of 258 

"       Best  Season  for (iO 

"        Buckwheat 63 

CareofBox ITC 

"       Casesfor ^37 

"       Curing  Extracted 187 

"       Dealers  in 237 

"       Different  Qualities  of io'j 

"       Extracted  257 

"  '■         Packag3sfor....239 

"  "         Preparing       for 

Market 238 

"        Extracting 180 

"        Gathering  and  Storing 38 

"       Grading  23(5 

"       How  to  Extract 135 

'■       Liquefying  Candied 239 

Marketing 232 

"       Packing 23j 

"       Securing  Choice. .'. 178 

"       Sources  of 48 

"        Surplus 172 

"        Teasel 58 

"       Transportation  of 238 

"        Uses  of 255 

Yield  of  Basswood 56 

Honey-boxes 115 

Honey-dew <Jl 

Honey-extractor 180 

Honey-knives 188 

Honey  plants,  Early -19 

'•       Later 59 

Insects  and  Diseases 216 

'•       Ants 231 

Bee-killer 229 

"       Bee-moth 223 

"       Foul  Brood 217 

"       Honey-bug 222 

"       Spiders 231 

"       Trichodes  Apiarius 222 

Honey  Board 118 

Honey  Bug 222 

Honeysuckle,  Bush 53 

Horehound 52 

Hornets  Injure  Fruit 64 

House  Apiary 77 

Increase,  Avtiflcial 165 

Natural 152 

Introducing  Queens 144 

Italian  Bees 39 

Italians,  Characteristics  of 40 

"       Compared  with  Natives. . .  47 
"       Excellencies  Claimed 41 


Italians,  How  to  Procure . .  47 

Journals.  Bee 20 

King,  A.  J.  i&Co 21 

King-Bird  Killing  Bees 230 

Knife  for  Uncapping 188 

Langstroth,  Kev.  L.  L 19 

"  Langstroth  on  the  Honey  Bee,"..  21 

Laiigstroth's  Hive 93 

Larva 32 

LaiviB,  Feeding  of 33 

Leonurus  Cardiaca 52 

Leucantliemum  vulgare 52 

Lewis,  Hon.  Harris,  Cider  iilill 64 

Liguriau  Bees 39 

Linden 55 

Liriodendrou  Tulipifora 55 

Locust 59 

Loss  of  Queen 151 

Magnifying  Glass 223 

"  Manual  of  the  Apiary," 23 

Maple,  Red  49 

-       Soft 49 

'•       Su<?ar 49 

Marketing  Honey..   ■ 232 

'■         Large  Cases 233 

Small  Cases 233 

"         Preparing  Boxes 235 

Marrubium  vulgare 52 

Mclilot ilO 

Melon  Family .59 

Memorial  of  M.  Qulnby 13 

Mice  and  Rats — 229 

Michigan  State  Agr"l  College 67 

Microscope   223 

Mignonette  59 

Milk-weed 53 

Motherwort 52 

Moth-proof  Hivs .223 

Movable  Comb-hive 95 

"  "  Advantages...    95 

Moving 'Bees 74 

Mustard 59 

"Mysteries    of    Bee-keeping    Ex- 
plained"   18 

Nellis,  J.  H 21 

"         "     House  Apiary 78 

Nepeta  Cataria 52 

"  New  Bee-keeper's  Text  Book  "...  ^2 

Newman,  Thos.  G.  &  Son  21 

Nucleus  Box 133 

Non-swarming  Hives 168 

Nympli •  •  •  33 

Observatory  Hive  — 103 


270 


INDEX. 


Overstocking 85 

Ox-eye  Daisy 62 

Packing  Honey 236 

Painting  Hives 114 

Panels  for  Side  of  Frames 104 

Parasites 21D 

"        Honey-bug 2i2 

'•        Trichodes  Apiarius. ....  .222 

Partheno-gcuesis ..  35 

Pollen  from  Pumpkins 59 

'•      Gatheriui;  and  Storing 27 

•'      Sources  of 49 

Poplar,  Balsam 29 

BalmofGilead 29 

Populus  Balsamifera    29 

"  Var.      Candi- 

cans 29 

Preparing    Extracted    Honey    for 

Market 23S 

Propolis 2;) 

Protection  from  Bees 92 

Prunus  sorotina 5) 

"       Virginiana 50 

PnflF-ball  for  Smoke 89 

Pumpkins 59 

Pupa 33 

Purchasing  Bees 79 

Queen, Ageof 143 

"      Cages 142 

"     to  Make 143 

"      Cell  Box 141 

"      Cells 33 

"       Depriving  of 170 

"       Described 23 

"      How  to  Handle 147 

"      Loss  of 151 

"      Meeting  the  Drono 34 

"      More  thnn  One  in  aHive,  ..15i 

"      Niic'ei  to  Form 140 

"      Nucleus  System 137 

"      Nursery 136-142 

"      Time  to  Mature 34 

"      ITnimpregnated,  Lays  Drone 

Eggs 35 

Queens,  Clipping  the  Wings 147 

"       Destroyed 35 

"        Drone  Laying 149 

"       Fertilization    in    Confine 

ment 131 

"       Good  Stock  Imported 129 

"■       Introducing 144 

"       How  to  Rear 133 

♦'       Spent 150 


Queens,  When  to  Rear 132 

Quinby,  M.,  Memorial  of 13 

"         Hive  for  Wintering 243 

"  "    The  New 103 

"  '■    with  Roof 112 

"        on  Impregnation G6 

Quinby's  Bellows  Smoker.        . . .  90-91 

"         Hive  Clasp m 

"         New  Hive,  Complete lOJ 

Raspberry,  Red 50 

Rats  and  Mice 229 

Red  Raspberry 50 

Remedies  for  Stings 94 

Rendering  Wax .201 

Robbing  by  Bees 212 

'•       Indications  of .214 

"       Remedies  for ,215 

j  Roof  for  Hive 113 

I      '•      '•    Quinby  Hive 112 

j  Root.  A.  1 21 

!  Rhus  glabra 58 

I  Robinia  Pseudacacia 50 

I  Rumex  Acetosella 52 

j  Sage,  White 61 

I  Salix  alba,  var.  vitellina 49 

1  Season,  Best  for  Honey 66 

I  Seasons,  Hints  for  Exceptional 171 

I        '•         Notes  for 260 

'  Section  Boxes 120 

I        "  "    To  Make 121 

I       "       Frames 116 

j  Selecting  Swarms 80 

I  Separators 122 

I  Silk-Weed 53 

j  "         Fatality  of 53 

I  Sinapis  nigra 59 

I  Single  Comb  Boxes 120 

;  Skunk  Cabbage 49 

Smoke,  Materials  for 89 

i        "        to  Control  Bees 89 

Smoker,  Quinby  Bellows 90 

Smokers 90 

,  Solidago GO 

Sorrel 52 

Sources  of  Honey 48 

i        '•       of  Pollen 49 

Spent  Quc.^ns 150 

Spiders  and  Bees 231 

Spring.  Work  for 260 

Stand:ird  for  Boxes 119 

Standing-Frames 105 

Stands  for  Hive 112 

'•   Hives 73 


INDEX. 


0-"  I 

A.    I    I 


Sting,  Structure  of 25 

'•      to  Extract »4 

Stinging,  Causes  of 87 

Stings  Avoided  by  Boldness ^ 

Eemcdies  for 94 

Sugar  Maple. .   49 

Sumach 58 

Summer,  Work  for 2e2 

Swarming 34-152 

"         ControUing 16S 

"         Indications  of 155 

"         Preparations  for 156 

"         Time  of 154 

Swarms,  After 162 

'•     To  Prevent 163 

"       Dividing 166 

"       How  to  Hive.. 158 

'•       How  to  Select 60 

"       More  than  One 161 

"       Returning 162 

"       Separating 161 

"       What  Bees  Compose 157 

Sweet-scented  Clover 60 

Symplocarpus  f oetidus 49 

Syrups,  Adulteration  of 256 

Taraxacum  Dens-leonis 50 

Teasel,  Fuller's 57 

"       Wild 57 

Thermometer 249 

Tiiia  Americana 55 

Toads  and  Bees 531 

Transferring  Bees 125 

Board 126 

"  Sticks 126 

Transportation  Beneficial 80 

of  Honey 238 


Transporting  Bees 83 

Trichodes  Apiarius 222 

Trifolium  hybridum 51 

repens 50 

Tulip-tree 55 

Uses  of  Honey 255 

Van  Deusen's  Clasp is4 

'•  Feeder 207- 

Wagner  on  Fertilization 36 

Wagner,  Samuel 20 

Wasps  Injure  Fruit 64 

Was  and  Comb  190 

"    Extractor,  Jones' 203 

"  "  Swiss 202 

"    How  Produced 190 

"    Miiki  ng  into  Sheets 196 

"    Moulding  ...   203 

"    Rendering 201 

White  Clover 50 

Sage 61 

"        Weed 52 

"        Wood 55 

Wild  Cherry 50 

Willow,  Golden 49 

Willows 49 

Winter,  Preparing  for 241 

Work  for 263 

Wintering  Bees 2^11 

Out-of-Door 244 

"  When  to  Begin 253 

Wire  in  Foundation 196 

Women,  Bee-dress  for 93 

Workers,  De'scvibed 24 

"         Fertile 38 

"         Life  of 26 

Wrens,  Useful 231 


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